Following the fatal tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against negligence.
NewsNGR earlier reported that a truck transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and caught fire, resulting in an explosion that killed many people while others were injured.
Stores and other properties around the scene were also reportedly damaged.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in an update on Sunday, said 80 bodies had been given a mass burial at the premises of Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC).
Five corpses were taken away for burial by the relatives while one other victim died after the mass burial, said NSEMA Director-General, Abdullah Baba Arah.
Meanwhile, the IGP , while describing the occurrence as terrible, conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Niger State.
Egbetokun urged all State Commissioners of Police to enhance their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) in partnership with other traffic management organizations.
Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP called for adherence to traffic laws.
“Negligence and disregard for traffic laws are major contributors to such incidents.
“I am instructing all Commissioners of Police to work closely with traffic agencies to ensure that our roads are safer and traffic laws are strictly enforced,” the statement read.
Egbetokun advised transport operators and the general public to take responsible action to maintain road safety while also praying for the souls of the departed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility. Every driver, vehicle owner, and stakeholder must play their part to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property,” he added.