The Federal Government has condoled with the government and people of Niger State following Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in the Gurara Local Government Area of the state.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, described the incident in a statement on Sunday as tragic, noting that it claimed many lives and destroyed property.

The statement was issued in Abuja by Rhoda Iliya, the ministry’s Information Officer.

The minister, expressing concern over the rising cases of tanker explosions in the country, warned motorists against reckless driving that could endanger innocent lives.

Mr Yilwatda urged them to always strictly adhere to road traffic regulations.

“I am deeply saddened by the frequent occurrence of tanker explosions in the country, which always leads to loss of lives, injuries, and property damage. I share in the pain of the community who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident,” Mr Yilwatda said.

He also offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The minister commended the swift response of the state Governor, Umaru Bago, his team, particularly the State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

He also thanked the Nigeria Police Force and other concerned Nigerians who assisted in evacuating the victims from the scene.

According to the Director-General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the incident resulted in 86 fatalities, with 80 individuals buried in a mass grave and other bodies handed over to their families for burial.

The number of injured persons has risen to 55, with one fatality recorded at the healthcare facility in Dikko.

(NAN)