The Tinubu-led Federal Government expresses profound grief and sadness following the tragic tanker explosion in Niger State, which has claimed the lives of at least 86 individuals, with 55 others left injured. The horrific incident occurred on January 18, 2025, when a fuel tanker exploded on a busy highway, causing widespread devastation in the region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued today, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. He described the tragedy as "a heart-wrenching loss" and pledged the government's full support for the ongoing rescue operations and medical care for the injured.
"I am deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy and the loss of so many innocent lives. On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved families. We stand with you during this difficult time," President Tinubu said.
In addition to expressing sympathy, the president has instructed relevant authorities, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross, to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected communities. The Ministry of Health has also been directed to mobilize medical resources to support hospitals treating the injured.
Local authorities in Niger State have confirmed that recovery operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to locate and retrieve any remaining victims from the wreckage. The Federal Government has also vowed to investigate the cause of the explosion and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.