President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating Nigerians on the dangers of scooping fuel from overturned tankers.

This follows the tragic tanker explosion that claimed over 80 lives and left many others injured at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area, on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President cautioned citizens against approaching accident scenes involving fuel-laden vehicles, highlighting their highly explosive nature.

Mourning the victims, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to their families, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.

He described the incident as tragic and preventable, noting that many of the casualties were individuals attempting to collect Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.

“The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care for the injured and has instructed security and road safety agencies to implement stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences,” Onanuga stated.

President Tinubu tasked the National Orientation Agency to spearhead a nationwide public education campaign, emphasizing the grave risks and environmental hazards associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers.