Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a review of the protocol for the transportation of petroleum products in Nigeria.
In a statement on his X handle on Wednesday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emphasized the need for the country to explore rail transportation to move flammable products such as petrol and diesel across the country.
Atiku also commiserated with victims of a tanker explosion in Majiya town in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
He said, “The incident in Jigawa is one too many involving tragic petrol tanker explosions in the country. It is about time we explored other means, like rail, for transporting petroleum products around the country. It is also pertinent to train drivers involved in the transportation of flammable products and review the protocol for the transportation of petroleum products and other inflammable products.”
The former vice president expressed his grief, stating, “I wish to share my grief with the people and government of Jigawa State and ask for an expeditious rescue and control operation. No resource should be spared in treating the injured. I also sympathize with families that have lost dear ones to this tragic incident and pray that they be comforted and that the deceased find eternal rest.”
The explosion, which occurred around midnight on Tuesday, resulted in the burial of over 100 victims on Wednesday.
About 90 other victims are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.
The incident happened when the driver of the tanker, traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majiya. The tanker, which had departed Kano and was heading to Nguru Town in Yobe State, exploded after the driver lost control.
According to the police, the disaster was triggered by residents who had rushed to scoop spilt petrol after the tanker overturned.
