Tinubu’s Concern Deepens As Fresh Directive Emerges For Suleja Tanker Explosion Victims

The federal government has directed the immediate relocation of victims of the recent tanker explosion in Niger State from Suleija General Hospital to tertiary health facilities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This directive was made public on Sunday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a government delegation visit to Niger State to offer condolences to the state following the tragic incident that resulted in numerous casualties.

Minister Idris explained that this step is aimed at ensuring victims receive prompt and enhanced medical care.

The government delegation, which included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, and heads of various agencies, conducted on-the-ground assessments following Saturday’s tanker explosion along Dikko Junction in Suleija.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply saddened by this tragedy. He instructed us to come and assess the situation. During our visit, we saw critically injured patients, and unfortunately, one of them passed away. We’ve been informed that this is the eighth fatality from the fire explosion today, highlighting the urgent need for intensive medical attention, which the Federal Government is addressing.

“The Minister of Health, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other government bodies will ensure that all victims are swiftly evacuated and admitted to Intensive Care Units at the nearest available tertiary institutions,” Mohammed Idris said.

Additionally, Idris revealed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the recurring incidents and has instructed the establishment of a committee to investigate the root causes of these explosions.

The Minister expressed distress over the loss of approximately 265 lives due to tanker explosions over the past five months. He mentioned that the committee would focus on identifying both the immediate and underlying causes and propose measures to prevent future occurrences.

“The President is truly troubled by these incidents, which have been recurring since September 2024. From the tragic event between Ibadan and Ife, where a tanker explosion caused destruction and loss of lives, to the incident in Niger State on September 8, 2024, where 48 lives were lost, and the October 15, 2024, incident in Jigawa State claiming 144 lives, these numbers reflect a disturbing trend.

“If we combine these figures, over 265 lives have been lost in such incidents. The Government is deeply concerned, which led to the formation of a high-level committee comprising the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, key stakeholders like NEMA, NUPRC, SON, FRSC, NARTO, NUPENG, IPMAN, and others to investigate and find solutions,” he said.

Furthermore, in response to the recent presidential directive, the National Orientation Agency will intensify public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of scooping petroleum products from tanker accidents, aiming to prevent future tragedies.