The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the Federal Government to develop safer alternatives for transporting petroleum products across the country. This follows the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, which claimed over 150 lives and left many others injured.
In a statement signed by IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the council expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, extending condolences to the grieving families. “Words are not enough to assuage their sorrows,” the statement read.
The council raised concerns over the frequency of fuel tanker-related accidents in Nigeria, noting that such incidents often result in devastating explosions, with many victims being those attempting to scoop fuel from the scenes.
“The life of every Nigerian matters and must be preserved,” the statement emphasized. IPAC also urged citizens to avoid the dangerous practice of scooping fuel at accident scenes, cautioning that it exacerbates the risks involved in such disasters.
The council advised the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify efforts to educate the public about the dangers of such practices, while urging the government to improve road safety and adopt alternative means of transporting inflammable petroleum products.
“We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Jigawa State in this difficult time. Together, we will work towards making Nigeria safer, better, and greater for all,” IPAC said.
The council concluded by praying for the families of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them strength in their grief, and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
