By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the immediate evacuation of critically injured victims from the recen...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the immediate evacuation of critically injured victims from the recent petrol tanker explosion in Suleja to tertiary health institutions in the Federal Capital Territory for advanced medical care.
This directive was disclosed in a press statement signed by Muhammad S. Abubakar, Information Officer (MSTH), and announced by the Minister of Information, Communication, and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, during his visit to the victims.
Expressing his condolences, Minister Malagi sympathized with the victims and the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the explosion. He commended the swift response of the Niger State Government and announced the formation of a committee comprising representatives from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA). This committee is tasked with developing strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing tanker explosion disasters, Malagi noted that 265 lives were claimed by such incidents across Nigeria in 2024 alone.
Dr. Bello Tukur, Niger State’s Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, praised the staff at the General Hospital Suleja for their tireless efforts in attending to victims of the explosion in Dikko, Gurara LGA. He also commended Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for his prompt intervention, which included mobilizing additional medical personnel and covering all medical expenses, including referrals to federal healthcare institutions.
Dr. Tukur reported that eight victims have sadly succumbed to their injuries, three have been discharged, and four individuals who initially sought traditional medical care have been readmitted to the hospital. He also revealed plans by the state government to establish a trauma center and recruit more health professionals to enhance emergency response capabilities.
The state team visited the Umaru Musa Yaradua Memorial Hospital in Tafa to assess the condition of other victims and facilitated the transfer of a critically injured patient to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital for specialized care.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Abdullahi Imam emphasized the importance of firsthand information from medical personnel to devise effective solutions for alleviating the victims’ suffering. He also highlighted the Governor's implementation of significant measures, including financial support for the victims.
As part of the government’s assistance, each victim received ₦50,000 to support their feeding during their recovery.
No comments