Former presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have expressed deep sorrow and extended their condolences to the victims of the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Enugu. The incident occurred on Saturday in Ugwu Onyeama, Enugu North, Enugu State, where a petrol tanker overturned, leading to a devastating explosion that claimed the lives of approximately 15 people. Reports also stated that the explosion has left several others injured.
This tragic event in Enugu comes just a week after a similar incident in which nearly 100 people lost their lives in Suleja, Niger State, when a group of people attempted to scoop fuel from a fallen petrol tanker at Ditto Junction. The similarity of these incidents has heightened concerns across the country regarding the safety and frequency of tanker accidents.
In his statement of condolence, Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the PDP, expressed his heartfelt sorrow for the victims and their families. He condemned the recurring tanker accidents and called for urgent government intervention to address the issue. “Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims in the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu state. May their souls find eternal rest. The incidents of tragic tanker explosions have reached emergency levels. It is time for the government to establish an inquiry into this issue,” Atiku said, urging the government to investigate the causes of these explosions and to take the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party's presidential candidate, also expressed his condolences while urging the government to take swift action to prevent further loss of lives. In his statement, Obi emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize the security of lives and property by implementing measures aimed at preventing these deadly incidents. He noted the disturbing frequency of petrol tanker accidents, stressing that just one week after the deadly explosion in Niger State, another similar tragedy has struck in Enugu. “Exactly one week after a petrol tanker explosion in Niger State killed nearly a hundred persons and injured many, another explosion has just been reported in Enugu leaving 15 persons dead,” Obi stated in his message, expressing grave concern about the recurrence of these deadly explosions across the nation. He urged the government to take comprehensive measures to address the issue, including improvements in road safety, better enforcement of traffic regulations, and public education on safety protocols around accident sites. “The frequency of occurrence of these tragic incidents is very concerning. This month alone, there have been at least 3 of such devastating accidents, across the country, resulting in the loss of precious lives and properties,” Obi added.
Obi further emphasized that the Nigerian government must take urgent steps to overhaul and fix the nation's roads, a key factor contributing to the high number of accidents. He called for the implementation of stricter safety measures and stronger penalties for violators of road safety regulations. He also stressed the importance of educating the public about the correct procedures to follow in accident situations, urging citizens to remain cautious when near dangerous accident scenes. “We must begin to truly prioritise the safety and security of lives and property by implementing measures that drastically mitigate the occurrence of these accidents, which have now become too many,” Obi stated.
In his message, Peter Obi also sent his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims, praying for them to have the strength to endure the emotional toll of such a loss. “My heart goes out to the families who are devastated by the loss of their loved ones to this terrible accident. I also sympathize with the government and people of Enugu State over this tragic occurrence. May God grant eternal rest to the dead and grant quick healing to the injured. May God grant us the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable loss,” Obi concluded in his statement.