By Cross Udo, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with the people and government of Enugu State over the fuel tanker fire, which claimed lives following an accident in the state.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Vice President said it was time to end avoidable tanker accidents and explosions.
On Saturday, the fuel tanker veered off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
In a condolence message to families of those who lost their lives and the injured, the Vice President noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times.
Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, was quoted as saying: “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama local government area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously worried by the frequent tanker explosion incidents on public roads and residential areas, which are ordinarily avoidable. Just as he directed the relevant agencies in his message of condolence on Sunday, I want to reassure Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to end tanker accidents on our roads,” he said.
He promised that, following Mr President’s directive, the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on possible ways the road traffic authorities and federal and state Transportation Ministries can cooperate to forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country urgently.
Commiserating with families of the victims, Senator Shettima said, “I express my profound condolences to the government and people of Enugu State, particularly the families that lost their loved ones and those that are undergoing treatment for various degrees of injuries in the hospitals.
“While my thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and quick return to health for the injured.”
