By Godfrey AKON
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Niger State following the devastating explosion of a petrol-laden tanker at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
The explosion tragically claimed lives and left several others injured, an event the minister described as “heartbreaking.”
In a statement on Saturday, Lokpobiri expressed deep sorrow over the loss, offering condolences to the families of the deceased.
“I am deeply saddened by this tragic event, and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their families the strength to cope with this immense loss,” he said.
The Minister also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
“To those affected, I wish for their swift and full recovery. This is a time for us to come together in solidarity as a nation, supporting all who have been impacted,” he added.
Lokpobiri further stressed the importance of improving safety protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.
He urged the public to exercise caution when encountering petrol-laden tankers, especially during emergencies.
“While we continue to implement safety measures, I must reiterate my plea to the public: do not approach petrol-laden tankers after an accident. The risks are enormous, and lives are too precious to be lost unnecessarily,” he said.
The minister confirmed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has been instructed to launch an investigation.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the safety of petroleum transportation across the country and underscored the importance of cooperation among all relevant stakeholders.
“This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective responsibility. We must all work together—government, transport operators, and citizens—to ensure that safety is a top priority in all aspects of petroleum distribution,” he said.
Lokpobiri assured the people of Niger State that the Ministry would provide full support during this challenging time, reinforcing his commitment to advancing safety and well-being in all operations within his portfolio.
