The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called foinvestigation into the recent fuel tanker explosion in Niger State, which resulted in significant loss of lives.
They have also urged the implementation of legislative measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This was disclosed in a statement jointly signed by the Minority Caucus leaders: Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C. (Minority Whip), Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader), and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip).
Expressing their distress over the incident, the Caucus stated: “Poverty is truly ravaging the people. These avoidable deaths should not be condoned.
“Therefore, we call for the investigation and punishment of all those found culpable. We also call for a legislative solution to the incessant incidents of petrol tanker accidents in Nigeria.”
The statement further noted: “Following the tragic and horrific death of about 90 people and injuries to many others last weekend at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, due to fire from a fuel tanker explosion, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives commiserates with the families of the victims and prays for the quick recovery of those wounded. The Caucus also expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the unfortunate incident.
“The Caucus is extremely sad and heartbroken that while some citizens paid the ultimate price, many others sustained varying degrees of injuries, including colossal loss of properties due to negligence as the tanker, which was laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, lost control and caught fire.
“This heart-rending incident is shocking, saddening, and painful.
“Conscious of the frequency of tanker explosions across the country, which have damaging psychological effects on our people, the environment, and the economy, the Caucus calls for appropriate punitive measures against violators of transportation safety regulations.
“In addition, we call on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant government agencies to intensify and improve traffic management for tankers, trucks, and other haulage vehicles on highways to avert or minimize such catastrophic mishaps to the barest minimum.
“As we grieve over this sad incident, which has become worrisome and alarming across the country, the Caucus appeals for comprehensive collaboration among medical institutions to ensure the speedy recovery of Nigerians injured in the explosion.
“Finally, while the Caucus acknowledges that poverty is truly ravaging the people, these avoidable deaths should not be condoned. Therefore, we call for the investigation and punishment of all those found culpable. Additionally, we urge a legislative solution to address the recurrent issue of petrol tanker accidents in Nigeria.”
