The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Niger State chapter, has described the fuel tanker explosion at Diko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area, which claimed over 90 lives and left more than 60 injured, as a tragedy fuelled by poverty and inflation.
In a press statement signed by the state coordinator of CNG, Comrade Abdullahi Musa Erena, and made available to newsmen in Minna on Monday, Erena expressed deep sadness and shock over the devastating incident.
Comrade Abdullahi Erena noted that eyewitness accounts indicated the victims were attempting to salvage fuel from the fallen tanker when the explosion occurred.
"This heart-wrenching scene is a stark reflection of the desperation and poverty that have become all too familiar in our society. The fact that individuals felt compelled to risk their lives for a chance to collect fuel is a scathing indictment of our nation’s failure to provide for its citizens," he said.
He attributed the tragedy to the rising cost of fuel, exacerbated by inflation and poverty, which has created an environment in which people are forced to make impossible choices.
According to him, this tragedy indicates that our economic policies have failed to address the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
He applauded the swift response of the Niger State Government under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to the tragedy, commending the government’s efforts to provide emergency services and support to the victims.
In the statement, the group demanded immediate action from the federal government to address the root cause of the tragedy, calling for comprehensive action to tackle poverty, invest in sustainable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve road infrastructure, and enhance emergency response systems.
Hoping that the tragedy serves as a wake-up call for leaders to take responsibility for the welfare of the citizens, Comrade Abdullahi Erena also condoled with the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.