Tanker explosions: Hunger driving Nigerians to undertake deadly ventures – Peter Obi
Peter Obi
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has lamented that hunger is driving Nigerians to undertake deadly ventures that could terminate their lives.
Obi was responding to series of tanker explosions that had led to the death of over 50 Nigerians while scooping fuel.
Obi, on his X handle on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to avoid such deadly ventures in order to secure their lives.
He said the series of mishaps that occurred in the country lately were saddening and of grave concern, saying these unfortunate incidents had claimed many precious lives within the past few days.
“Reports show that about 35 persons were reportedly killed in an explosion in an illegal oil refining site in Ibas Community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday night.
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“And over 30 other people, according to reports, lost their lives following a tanker explosion at Koko junction along Warri – Benin Highway in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State on Sunday night.
“Also on Monday, a boat conveying 22 passengers from Kasabu village in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State to Yauri, Kebbi State, capsized.
“These tragic incidents are very depressing when you consider that these are not merely just numbers, but human beings, who will forever be missed by their grieving families,” he lamented.
Obi said “It becomes even more devastating when you understand that many of the victims of the fuel tanker explosion were perhaps, driven by hunger and the present hardship in the country, resulting from bad governance. Out of economic desperation, people have taken to unthinkable fatal risks.
“I strongly urge Nigerians to avoid such deadly ventures. We must, even on an individual basis, prioritize the safety of our lives and property, and ensure that we do not put ourselves in harm’s way.
“We all need to be alive to build and live in the New Nigeria we look forward to. I sincerely commiserate with all the families who lost their loved ones to these tragic incidents and pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. May God grant eternal rest to the dead.”
