Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and property following an oil tanker explosion that led to the death of nearly 50 people in Niger State.
Also, over 50 cows were burnt to death in the accident, which occurred on Sunday along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area.
The accident was a result of a head-on collision between a petrol tanker and a truck from Kano State conveying humans and cattle.
Bago in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim on Sunday said he was pained by the unfortunate incident and the colossal loss incurred.
The governor called for calm by the residents of the affected area and enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
“I am very sad and pained by this unfortunate incident and the colossal loss of lives and property. I wish to commiserate with the families of the bereaved and call for calm among the residents of the affected places.
“The State Government through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant organisations have been mobilised to the scene of an accident for rescue operation and other necessary actions.
“Road users must always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property. I pray Allah will repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 48 bodies recovered by the search and rescue operation have been given mass burial.
According to the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA Abdullahi Baba-Arab, the trailer truck which collided with the oil tanker was coming from Wudil in Kano State and was heading to Lagos with over 50 persons and 50 cattle all of which burnt to death in the fire incident.
