Jigawa tanker explosion: Explore alternatives for transporting petrol, IPAC tells FG

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has commiserated with families of victims of the petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa state.

Last Tuesday, a tanker laden with petrol exploded at Majiya town, along the Kano-Hadejia expressway, Taura LGA of Jigawa state.

As of Sunday, the death toll from the incident had risen to 173.

In a statement issued on Monday, Yusuf Dantalle, IPAC national chairman, said the council is “deeply pained and shares the grief of the families that lost their loved ones in the fatal explosion”.

“Words are not enough to assuage their sorrows. Council prays to Almighty Allah to comfort them and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses and quick recovery for the injured,” the statement reads.

“In recent times, the nation has witnessed several fuel tanker accidents and explosions that claimed hundreds of lives mostly those scooping fuel.

“IPAC urges the Federal Government to take urgent steps to make the roads safe and work out alternative means of conveying highly inflammable petroleum products.”

The council said the life of every citizen matters and must be preserved.

IPAC asked Nigerians to desist from scooping fuel at accident scenes, adding that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should enlighten people on the inherent danger.

“IPAC stands with the government and people of Jigawa State in this trying period. Together, we will make Nigeria safer, better and greater for citizens,” the council added.