Senator Abubakar Bello visits tanker explosion site in Niger

Senator Abubakar Sani Bello Visits Dikko Tanker Explosion Site, Extends Condolences to Niger State Government, Victims’ Families, and Suleja Emirate Council; Calls for Increased Education on the Dangers of Inflammable Materials

Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, representing Niger North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, visited the site of the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, off the Kaduna-Abuja road in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, on Monday.

In a display of deep compassion, the immediate past Governor of Niger State extended heartfelt condolences to the Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the bereaved families, and the Suleja Emirate Council.

The explosion, which occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025, claimed about 98 lives, injured at least 69 others, and destroyed approximately 20 shops. The tragedy has left the community in profound grief.

Senator Sani Bello expressed his deepest sympathies to the victims’ families, describing the incident as an avoidable tragedy. He emphasized the urgent need for increased public awareness about the dangers associated with inflammable materials, particularly in the aftermath of tanker accidents.

“The perilous practice of rushing to collect fuel from fallen tankers has caused too many preventable losses,” Senator Sani Bello remarked, urging for greater community vigilance and proactive safety measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.

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After visiting the explosion site, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello spent time with community leaders and residents in Dikko before proceeding to the palace of the Sarkin Zazzau Suleja, Mallam Awwal Ibrahim.

At the palace, he offered condolences to the Emirate Council, mourned the tragic loss of lives, and prayed for the repose of the departed souls. He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The senator was received at the tanker explosion site by the Council Chairman of Gurara Local Government, Hon. Abdulhalim Abubakar; former Council Chairman of Suleja Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Maje; former Commissioner of Environment and Forestry during his administration, Hon. Tanko Zakari; and Sarkin Hausawan Dikko, along with other community leaders.

Senator Abubakar Sani Bello’s visit underscores his dedication to extending goodwill to communities beyond his constituency, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the people of Niger State, where he once served as governor.