The leadership of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has attributed the tragic petroleum truck accident which occurred at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government of Niger State to poor state of the road and the penchant of scooping fuel from such scenes.
The Oil and Gas Union seized the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to concentrate on repair of bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitizirg the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.
It extended condolences to the families, friends and communities affected by the tragic accident.
NUPENG’s President, Williams Akporeha gave these suggestions in a condolence message he sent on Sunday, noting that the Union is deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the destruction of properties, and the injuries sustained by many in the devastating incident.
According to NUPENG, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this traumatic and challenging time.
“The Union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the Federal government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitizirg the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.
“As a responsible organization, NUPENG collaborates annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management agencies, to train our drivers on road safety.
“The Union is committed to continuously training and retraining our members on best driving and safety practices.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Dikko community in Niger State. We commend the emergency responders who bravely extinguished the fire and rescued many injured victims.
“We urge all relevant authorities to provide the necessary support and medical care to those injured and to take measures to prevent future tragedies.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to bear these irreparable losses”.