POLITICIAN and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has urged government officials at all levels to create livelihoods for their citizens in order to prevent tragedies like the recent tanker explosion in Jigawa State.
Obi made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Jigawa State following the oil tanker explosion that resulted in the loss of over 150 lives in a single day.
The incident occurred in Majiya town, located in the Taura Local Government Area, where locals were scooping petrol after the driver lost control and the tanker overturned, spilling its contents onto the road.
Describing the event as a national tragedy, Obi pledged to provide financial support to the victims of the explosion.
On his official X account, Obi said yesterday, “As planned, I visited Dutse, Jigawa State, to express my condolences to Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi Dan Modi and the people of Jigawa over the tragic petroleum tanker incident that resulted in over180 fatalities, with more than80 individuals still hospitalized.
“The victims and those hospitalized are primarily young people in their productive years. This is a national tragedy. I pray for the souls of the departed and for strength for their grieving families.“I also commit to donating to the victims. I appreciate the government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected and to assist those in the hospital.
“I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to all victims of the tanker explosion and urge tanker drivers to exercise greater caution.
“I call on governments at all levels to provide our people with sustainable livelihoods to prevent situations that could endanger their lives.
“The increasing frequency of tragedies in our nation is a troubling issue that necessitates special prayers for divine intervention. At the same time, relevant stakeholders and governments must work to establish infrastructure and laws that can help prevent such tragic incidents. Tragedies occur when necessary precautions and actions are not taken to mitigate risks.”
