Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, has urged the Nigerian government to explore rail transportation for petroleum products to prevent further fuel tanker tragedies.
Atiku’s remarks follow a tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives on Thursday night
Reacting to the incident in a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized the need for proactive measures to avert such occurrences.
“I am saddened by reports of the death of scores of people in a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State,” Atiku said.
“The incident in Jigawa is one too many involving tragic petrol tanker explosions in the country.”
Atiku advocated for rail as a safer alternative for transporting petroleum products across the country, highlighting the urgent need to review transportation protocols and improve safety standards for handling flammable materials.
“It is about time we explored other means, like rail, for transporting petroleum products around the country,” he stated.
“It is also pertinent to train drivers involved in the transportation of flammable products and review the protocol for the transportation of petroleum and other inflammable products.”
The former vice president also conveyed his condolences to the people and government of Jigawa State, urging authorities to prioritize rescue efforts and provide medical attention for the injured.
“I wish to share my grief with the people and government of Jigawa State and ask for an expeditious rescue and control operation. No resource should be spared in treating the injured,” he added.
Atiku concluded by extending his sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for comfort and eternal rest for the deceased