April 20, 2021

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed thirteen deaths from yesterday’s petroleum tanker fire disaster at Ochigbudu, Agatu local government area of the state.

According to the agency, the report comes after an assessment visit to the scene of the fire to determine the extent of damage and the level of intervention required.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Samuel Ortom on disaster management Mr. Cyprian Tsenongo who led a team for the emergence agency disclosed this to Channels Television while noting that, seventy-six shops, eight residential houses, twenty motorcycles, one Keke Napep, three vehicles, and the petroleum truck were burnt in the fire while three persons sustained injuries.

Speaking to victims of the fire incident who all appealed for government intervention, the senior special assistant, assured them of the Governor Samuel Ortom-led administration’s support to get back on their feet, once the report of the assessment visit is submitted, as the impact of the fire cuts across businesses, homes and even those with physical injuries.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Benue State over the tanker explosion that left several people dead in Agatu Local Government Area of the State.

Commiserating with families of the victims, the President said:

”I am worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads or residential areas. Our road traffic authorities and transportation ministries should urgently address this.”

Noting that public safety should not be compromised under any circumstances, the President calls for strict adherence to safety standards and procedures; and these rules should be enforced without fear or favour.