The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed profound sympathy for the government and people of Niger State following a tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. The incident, described as heartbreaking, claimed several lives and left many injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Lokpobiri conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic event, and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
The minister also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, urging Nigerians to stand together in solidarity during this difficult time.
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While emphasising the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent such incidents, Lokpobiri cautioned the public against approaching petrol-laden tankers involved in accidents. “I must strongly appeal to the public to avoid approaching petrol-laden tankers during emergencies. The risks are enormous, and lives are too precious to be lost unnecessarily,” he stated.
Lokpobiri revealed that he has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to commence an investigation into the incident. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the safety of petroleum transportation across the country.
“This tragedy reminds us of the importance of collective responsibility. We must all work together—government, transport operators, and citizens—to ensure that safety remains paramount in all aspects of petroleum distribution,” the minister noted.
Assuring the people of Niger State of the Ministry’s support, Lokpobiri reaffirmed his dedication to promoting safety and well-being in all petroleum operations under his purview.
