By: Bayero Ade
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has banned heavy-duty trucks from traveling on the one-way route through Dikko Bridge following a tragic tanker explosion that claimed many lives on Saturday.
According to NAN, Governor Bago announced the ban after visiting the explosion site at Dikko Junction in Suleja Local Government Area. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as devastating, but he was relieved that the explosion did not spread to nearby communities.
The governor condemned the reckless actions of certain drivers and ordered that vehicles coming from the Maje direction should no longer pass through Dikko Bridge. Instead, they are to use the route under the bridge and take a U-turn.
He also instructed the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to set up a presence at the site to enforce the new measure and encouraged transport unions to collaborate with the FRSC.
Governor Bago attributed the frequent accidents in the area to delays in completing the Minna-Suleja road project and urged the federal government to expedite its completion.
The governor commended the swift response of the state Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, FRSC, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers in evacuating the victims of the explosion.
He also announced that medical staff from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in the care of those injured in the explosion, who are currently being treated at Suleja General Hospital.
The explosion, which occurred on Saturday morning, resulted in the deaths of over 50 people who were attempting to scoop fuel from the tanker.
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