Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Niger state Governor, Umaru Bago has directed heavy-duty trucks to cease using the one-way route through Dikko Bridge following a catastrophic tanker explosion on Saturday that left over 70 people dead.
The explosion, which occurred at Dikko Junction in Suleja Local
Government Area, claimed the lives of individuals attempting to scoop fuel from
the overturned tanker.
During a visit to the scene of the incident, Governor Bago expressed
profound grief over the loss of lives, describing the event as tragic but
noting that nearby communities were not affected.
He condemned the reckless behavior of some drivers and announced
immediate measures to prevent future occurrences.
To enforce this directive, vehicles coming from the Maje direction will
no longer be allowed to pass through Dikko Bridge. Instead, they must take the
alternate route beneath the bridge and make a U-turn. The governor has called
on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander to deploy a detachment
to the area to ensure compliance and urged transport unions to collaborate with
the FRSC in implementing this new traffic regulation.
Governor Bago attributed the frequent accidents in the area to delays in
completing the Minna-Suleja road project and appealed to the federal government
to expedite the project.
He also commended the swift response of the Niger State Emergency
Management Agency, Fire Service, FRSC, and the National Union of Road Transport
Workers in evacuating victims and managing the aftermath of the explosion.
As part of the state’s efforts to support the injured, the governor announced the redeployment of doctors from Minna hospitals to assist in treating victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital.
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