Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian government to consider transporting fuel through railways.
This appeal follows a tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, which claimed the lives of over 100 people.
Atiku expressed his sorrow over the incident on his social media platform X, stating: “I am saddened by reports of the death of scores of people in a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The incident in Jigawa is one too many involving tragic petrol tanker explosions in the country.”
He emphasized the need for safer fuel transportation methods, saying, “It is about time we explored other means, like rail, for transporting petroleum products around the country.” He also suggested training drivers involved in transporting flammable products and revising safety protocols to prevent future disasters.
Atiku extended his sympathies to the victims and their families, stating, “I also sympathize with families that have lost dear ones to this tragic incident and pray that they be comforted and that the deceased find eternal rest.”
In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu has directed a high-level federal government delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to visit Jigawa.
The delegation includes key officials such as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali.
