President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to intensify efforts to enhance the safety and security of travelers and residents, following the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed 48 lives.

The President’s directive comes after he sent condolences to the government and people of Niger State, commiserating with the families of the dead and injured victims, and sympathizing with owners of affected shops.

He praised federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response and Nigerians who assisted at the scene.

The explosion, which occurred on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road on Sunday, also involved a truck loaded with cattle and passengers, leaving many injured.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and pledged continued support for relief efforts.

“President Bola Tinubu has sent heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State on the petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai- road on Sunday in Niger State, which claimed the lives of 48 people and livestock.

“According to the Niger Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), many people were injured in the accident, which also involved a truck loaded with cattle and passengers.

“President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the dead and injured victims. He also sympathized with the owners of shops affected by the tragedy.

“He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. 

“The President commended the federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response. He similarly commended the good-spirited Nigerians who mobilized to the incident scene to assist the victims.

“He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.

“President Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to redouble their efforts and work with state governments to enhance the safety and security of travellers and residents”, the statement said.