Kehinde Fajobi
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed disappointment over Nigerians’ continued disregard for warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
This follows a tragic tanker explosion on Saturday, 18 January 2025, at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, which claimed 86 lives, including those of a pregnant woman and children.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the death toll.
Buhari, in a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Government of Niger State.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in a fire following another petroleum tanker accident that occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State,” the statement read.
Buhari lamented that fuel scooping persists despite repeated warnings and the devastating consequences of such actions.
“He expressed disappointment that the practice of scooping up fuel is becoming more common in spite of warnings from the authorities and the devastating losses of life that had characteristically attended such incidents,” the statement added.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also reacted to the incident, urging authorities to implement stricter measures to prevent tanker explosions.
In his statement on Sunday, Obi extended condolences to the families affected and the Government of Niger State.
He described the incident as avoidable and called for proactive steps to address the recurring tragedies.