The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), have expressed sadness over the deaths of people in the petroleum tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government of Niger State.
Mr Williams Akporeha, NUPENG President said this in a statement jointly signed by Mr Afolabi Olawale, General Secretary of the union on Sunday in Abuja.
It would be recalled that on Saturday, a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of gasoline had an accident and exploded at the Dikko junction and many lives were lost.
According to the statement, the leadership of the union had extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic petroleum truck accident.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the injuries sustained by many in this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this traumatic and challenging time.
“The union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the Federal Government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents.
“The union will intensify efforts in sensitizirg the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways,” it said.
The statement said that as a responsible organisation, NUPENG collaborated annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management agencies, to train its drivers on road safety.
It added that the union was committed to continuously training and retraining its members on best driving and safety practices.
It therefore said the union would stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Dikko community in Niger State.
“We commend the emergency responders who bravely extinguished the fire and rescued many injured victims.
“We urge all relevant authorities to provide the necessary support and medical care to those injured and to take measures to prevent future tragedies.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” it said.(NAN)
