President Muhammadu  Buhari has condoled the government and people of Nasarawa State over the tragic fire occasioned by a gas explosion at a filling station in Lafia, the state capital.

The president’s condolence message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday.

The explosion occurred at a gas plant close to the petrol station, killing at least 10 persons, over 30 sustained various injuries,  destroyed vehicles and several shops. The president, who was briefed about the scale of destruction of life and property, expressed grave concern over the high toll in the incident.

The Nasarawa State Government also expressed shock and sadness over a gas explosion. The Deputy Governor, Mr Silas Agara, said during on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the incident that the government would take the necessary steps to unravel the cause of the accident..

Agara, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Yahaya Bello, and Chairman, Lafia Local Government, Malam Aminu Muazu, described the explosion which occurred at Monaco Gas plant within the premises of Natson Filling station on Jos Road, Lafia, as most unfortunate.

He expressed his condolences and sympathy to the victims on behalf of Gov. Umaru Al-Makur and assured the people of government’s readiness to respond to the emergency and ensure a thorough investigation of the incident.

Agara applauded the security and emergency response teams for their quick intervention and advised the public to stay away from the scene to allow relevant agencies carry out their investigation into the matter.

He and his entourage later visited the 37 victims with various degrees of injuries at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia.