By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tanker explosion that killed several people at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. The union is now calling on the federal government to urgently repair dilapidated roads and launch a national campaign to discourage the dangerous act of fuel scooping.
The explosion, which occurred after a petrol-laden tanker lost control and overturned on a failed section of the road, resulted in massive casualties and destruction. Witnesses say the fire broke out when residents rushed to the scene to collect spilled fuel, triggering a deadly blast.
In a statement following the incident, NUPENG mourned the lives lost and described the tragedy as both avoidable and heartbreaking. The union blamed the accident on the terrible condition of major highways and the continued ignorance of the public regarding the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
NUPENG urged the federal government to immediately rehabilitate critical roads used by petroleum transporters, especially those that have become notorious for frequent accidents and fatalities. According to the union, most of these roads are in such poor condition that they pose daily risks to tanker drivers and the communities they pass through.
It also condemned the repeated practice of people rushing to accident scenes to scoop fuel, warning that such behavior has led to numerous explosions and deaths across the country. The union called on the relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of lives.
NUPENG acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders who acted swiftly to save lives and control the fire. It also stressed its commitment to working with traffic and safety agencies to provide continuous training and safety education for its members, particularly tanker drivers.
The union appealed to both state and federal authorities to ensure that survivors receive proper medical care and that families who lost loved ones in the incident are given adequate support.
NUPENGs warning is part of a larger call for a national response to the repeated tragedies involving fuel tankers. The union believes that unless urgent action is taken to fix the roads and educate the public, more lives will continue to be lost unnecessarily.
It concluded by urging the government not to wait for another disaster before acting, emphasizing that this should be the moment when real steps are taken to ensure safer roads and safer communities for all.
