Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has urged authorities to introduce stricter safety measures to prevent recurring explosion incidents.
His call came after a petrol tanker explosion in Niger State on Saturday, January 18, 2025, which claimed over 80 lives and left more than 50 people with severe burns. The injured victims were rushed to various hospitals for treatment.
The former Anambra State governor expressed his sorrow and offered condolences to the families of those affected.
He emphasized the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent such disasters.
In a tweet, Obi said, “The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State yesterday is truly heartbreaking. Reports indicate that over 70 lives were lost, while more than 50 people were injured in the incident.”
He further noted, “These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.”
Obi extended his sympathies to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.
“I sincerely commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. I also extend my condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over this devastating incident. May God grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this loss, eternal rest to the departed, and a swift recovery to the injured,” he wrote.
The explosion is the latest in a series of similar tragedies in Nigeria, raising concerns about the safety of transporting fuel across the country. Many have called on the government to enforce regulations to prevent further loss of lives and property.
