Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has extended his condolences to the victims of the tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Dikko Junction, Suleja, Niger State.
The incident, which claimed over 100 lives and left many others injured, has sparked calls for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, several victims have been transferred to teaching hospitals for better medical care. The explosion, caused by residents scooping fuel from a fallen tanker, led to significant loss of life and property, leaving the community in mourning.
On Wednesday, Peter Obi visited the explosion site, the graveyard where 80 victims were buried, and Sarkin Dikko’s palace along the Dikko-Maje Road to offer his condolences and support.
“Today, emotion took the greater part of me as I left Lagos this morning to visit the site of the tragic petrol tanker explosion, the gravesite, and the Sarkin Dikko palace. Over 100 lives were lost, more than 50 injured, and many properties destroyed in this preventable tragedy,” Obi said.
During his visit to some of the injured victims at the hospital, Obi offered words of encouragement and promised support to aid their recovery.
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized the urgent need for the government to take proactive measures to address the root causes of such disasters. He highlighted the poor state of roads, lack of safety awareness, and widespread poverty as factors contributing to these recurring tragedies.
“These recurring disasters call for urgent safety measures: repairing roads, more enlightenment for tanker vehicle operators, investing in healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty to prevent such heartbreaking losses,” he stated.
Obi urged the government to prioritize the welfare of citizens, stressing that good governance is essential to protecting lives and improving living standards.
Peter Obi also met with Sarkin Dikko and his council to express solidarity with the Dikko community, which has been deeply affected by the tragedy. He reiterated the importance of valuing human lives and ensuring their protection through effective governance.
“Human lives are invaluable, and governance must prioritize their protection through proactive policies. Together, we can ensure such tragedies become a thing of the past,” he wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The tanker explosion at Dikko Junction has reignited conversations about road safety, emergency response, and the role of government in preventing avoidable tragedies. Obi’s visit and appeal underscore the need for a coordinated effort to address the systemic challenges that lead to such incidents.
The nation mourns the loss of lives while hoping for reforms that will safeguard communities and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
