The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Niger State has called for immediate action from the federal government to address the causes of last weekend’s tragic fuel tanker explosion in the state.
This incident resulted in the deaths of 98 individuals, with 69 others injured. Additionally, approximately 20 commercial stalls, valued at several million naira, were completely destroyed in the ensuing fire.
The State Coordinator of CNG, Comrade Abdullahi Erena, stated this in a Press statement personally signed and made available to Journalists on Monday in Minna expressing deep sadness and shock over the devastating tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko Junction.
He, however, likened the tragedy to “a calamity fueled by poverty and inflation”, noting that eyewitness accounts indicated that the victims were attempting to salvage fuel from the ill-fated fallen tanker when the explosion occurred.
“This heart-wrenching scene is a stark reflection of the desperation and poverty that have become all too familiar in our society.
“The fact that individuals felt compelled to risk their lives for a chance to collect fuel is a scathing indictment of our nation’s failure to provide for its citizens,” he said.
He further attributed the tragedy to the rising cost of fuel exacerbated by inflation and poverty, which has created an environment in which people are forced to make impossible choices.
According to him, this tragedy was an indication that our economic policies have failed to address the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
Erena, thereby commended the swift response of the Niger government under the leadership of Umar Bago, to the tragedy, highlighting the government’s efforts to provide emergency services and support to the victims were commendable.
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He stated further that the group demanded immediate action from the federal government to address the root causes of the tragedy.
Erena advocated for comprehensive action by the Federal Government to address poverty, investment in sustainable energy solutions, improved road infrastructure, and enhanced emergency response systems.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“May this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for our leaders to take responsibility for the welfare of our citizens,” he declared.
Recalled that the tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning at about 9 am along Dikko-Maje road opposite Baddegi filling station in Gurara local government area of the State
The tragic incident happened when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed, and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker, after which it was ignited by fire and the whole contents was engulfed in a ball of flames.
In the process, the PMS was said to have come in contact with a Generator set being used to power the transfer process, triggering an explosion that claimed many persons, while several others suffered varying degrees of Injuries, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.”
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