***Launches Investigation into Rising Incidents
In response to the devastating fuel tanker explosion in Suleija on Saturday, the Federal Government has mandated the urgent transfer of victims from Suleija General Hospital to tertiary medical centers for intensive care.
This directive aims to ensure that the critically injured receive the necessary advanced treatment.
The announcement came as a high-level Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, along with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, visited the site to assess the situation and express condolences to the people of Niger State.
Mallam Idris conveyed the deep sorrow of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was profoundly distressed by the loss of lives in the explosion.
“President Tinubu has sent us to see firsthand the severity of the situation. We are saddened to learn that this is the eighth victim of the explosion who has passed on today, making it all the more critical that we act swiftly,” he said, after a tour of the hospital where the victims are receiving treatment.
He further revealed that a high-powered committee had been set up by President Tinubu to investigate the root causes of the recent series of tanker explosions across Nigeria, which have claimed over 265 lives in the past five months. The committee, comprising officials from various sectors, including NEMA, NUPENG, IPMAN, and other stakeholders, will explore both immediate and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition to the ongoing medical response, the Federal Government is addressing the public safety risks associated with such explosions. Mallam Idris condemned the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident sites, urging citizens to be more responsible and avoid actions that further jeopardize public safety.
“We are deeply concerned about the rising number of tanker explosions. This is the fourth such incident this year alone. In addition to the tragic loss of lives, we must address the root causes and the unacceptable behavior of individuals who risk their lives after accidents by attempting to scoop fuel,” the Minister said.
The delegation also visited the Emir of Suleija, Alhaji Auwal Ibrahim, to offer condolences and show solidarity with the local community.
The explosion, which occurred at a busy junction in Suleija, has become a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to tackle tanker-related accidents in the country.