The Federal Government has set up a committee to investigate the cause of the petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Niger State, resulting in the loss of 86 lives.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the establishment of the committee during a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleija.
The committee comprises stakeholders from various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The explosion occurred when a fuel-laden tanker overturned at Dikko Junction, and people rushed to scoop fuel, resulting in a massive fire that claimed many lives. President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the incident and directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also condoled with the families of the victims and the government of Niger State, expressing disappointment over the refusal of Nigerians to heed warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) blamed the incident on bad roads and appealed to the federal and state governments to repair the road network to prevent such accidents.
