Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed his condolences to the people and government of Enugu following a tragic fuel tanker fire that claimed lives after an accident in the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima emphasised that it is time to end avoidable tanker accidents and explosions.
The fuel tanker, which crashed on Saturday, veered off course and erupted in flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Offering his condolences to the families of the victims and those injured, the Vice President acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned and disturbed by the incident, as well as by the rising frequency of tanker explosions in recent times.
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“It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama local government area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident.
“His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu is seriously worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads and residential areas, which are ordinarily avoidable.
“Just as he has directed the relevant agencies in his message of condolence on Sunday, I want to reassure Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on our roads,” he said.
Shettima assured that, following the directive from the President, the government would engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to explore ways in which road traffic authorities.
He said federal and state Ministries of Transportation, could collaborate urgently to prevent further tanker accidents and explosions across the country.
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While commiserating with the families of the victims, Shettima expressed, “I extend my profound condolences to the government of Peter Mbah and the people of Enugu State, particularly to the families who have lost their loved ones and those receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries in the hospitals.
“While my thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and a swift recovery for the injured.”
