Niger explosion: NUPENG tasks FG on repair of roads, condoles victims’ families

The national secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed its condolence to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic petroleum truck accident at Dikko junction, Gurara Local Government, Niger State, at the weekend.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrades Williams Akporeha and Olawale Afolabi, President and General Secretary, respectively of NUPENG, the Union declared that it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the destruction of properties, and the injuries
sustained by many in this devastating incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the
victims and their loved ones during this traumatic and challenging time.”

NUPENG in the statement issued to newsmen Sunday in Abuja further appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent steps to repair federal roads which it noted were in bad shape.

It also tasked the Federal Government to mandate its relevant agencies to seize the initiative towards sensitising Nigerians on the danger of scooping fuel from scenes of petrol tanker accidents.

The statement further reads in part: “The Union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the Federal government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitizing the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.

“As a responsible organization, NUPENG collaborates annually with relevant agencies,
including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management agencies, to train our drivers on road safety.

“The Union is committed to continuously
training and retraining our members on best driving and safety practices.

“We stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Dikko community in Niger
State.

“We commend the emergency responders who bravely extinguished the fire and
rescued many injured victims.

“We urge all relevant authorities to provide the necessary support and medical care to
those injured and to take measures to prevent future tragedies.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to
bear these irreparable losses.”