Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic tanker explosions in Niger and Oyo States, which resulted in significant loss of life and property.
In a post on his X account on Sunday, Obi condemned the unfortunate incidents that occurred less than 24 hours apart. The first explosion took place in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, where reports indicate that no fewer than 30 lives were lost and approximately 50 cattle were burned. This disaster occurred in the early hours of Sunday following a collision between a petrol tanker and a trailer truck transporting travelers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State.
Obi’s statement read, “I have just read the disheartening reports of the deadly tanker explosion which occurred today at Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State where no fewer than 30 human lives were lost and about 50 cattle burnt. This unfortunate incident occurred less than 24 hours after a similar tanker explosion caused serious damages in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Saturday.”
He extended his condolences to the affected families and commended the efforts of safety and emergency agencies involved in the search and rescue operations. Obi continued, “I am pained by the loss of human lives, and other means of livelihood in the two tragic events. I thank the safety and emergency agencies that arrived at the scene for search and rescue operations. I sincerely condole with all the affected families who lost their loved ones to this tragedy. I equally commiserate with the government and people of Niger and Oyo States over this tragic occurrence. May God comfort them, and all of us, who share in the pains of these sad incidents in our nation.”
In related news, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, confirmed that a mass burial was conducted for 48 individuals who perished in the Agaie explosion. The bodies of these victims were burned beyond recognition. Baba-Arab also reported that further search and rescue operations recovered 18 additional bodies, bringing the total number of deceased to 48.
Obi concluded his statement with a prayer for the deceased, “I pray God Almighty to forgive the sins of the dead and grant them eternal rest, and grant quick and full recovery to the injured.”
The tragic events have prompted calls for enhanced safety measures and vigilance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
