'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic fuel tanker explosion that occurred at Dikko Junction in Niger State on Saturday, January 18, 2025. In a statement, he described the incident, which claimed at least 73 lives, as disheartening and preventable, urging tanker operators to strictly adhere to safety standards and transloading protocols.
The fuel tanker explosion, which caused significant loss of life and property, has left the nation in mourning. The inferno reportedly erupted following a fuel spill at Dikko Junction, engulfing bystanders and passersby. Despite repeated warnings and safety awareness campaigns by the FRSC, the tragedy underscores ongoing gaps in compliance with safety standards.
A statement today by the commission's spokesperson Oluwasegun Ogungbemide stated that so far, rescue teams have recovered 73 bodies for burial, as arranged by the Niger State Government, while several injured victims are receiving medical attention at Suleja General Hospital and other facilities. The Corps Marshal assured the public that normalcy had returned to the area, with traffic flow restored through joint operations involving the FRSC and other stakeholders.
Shehu Mohammed announced that the FRSC's Accident Investigation Unit, in collaboration with other agencies, will investigate the incident to determine its cause and recommend preventive measures. “We must ensure such an incident never happens again,” he emphasized.
The Corps Marshal also reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration and public engagement to prevent similar occurrences. Highlighting the painful memory of a similar incident in Jigawa State last year, he stressed that the country must not witness such avoidable tragedies again.
Shehu Mohammed urged tanker operators to prioritize safety when transporting highly flammable petroleum products. He also called on members of the public to avoid accident scenes involving fuel tankers to minimize casualties in case of explosions.
“The FRSC will continue working with stakeholders to ensure road safety and secure the lives and property of road users,” the Corps Marshal stated, appealing for collective responsibility in addressing road-based emergencies.
The Corps Marshal commended the swift intervention of the Executive Governor of Niger State, who was physically present at the scene to oversee rescue efforts. He called on Nigerians to support survivors in their recovery and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of safety compliance and collective vigilance in preventing road-related disasters. The FRSC remains committed to finding lasting solutions to the challenges of road safety in Nigeria.
