Tanker explosion: IGP directs states CPs to strengthen motor traffic divisions
IGP, Kayode Egbetokun
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all the States Commisioner of Police to collaborate with other traffic security agencies to bolster motor traffic divisions.
He condoled the government and the people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred last Saturday, at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, in the state.
The incident occurred when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit also called petrol, lost control and eventually caught fire, resulting in the loss of many lives and numerous others injured, with the destruction of several shops and property, Dailyeconomy reports.
The IGP stated that strengthening the MTDs will ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways.
Egbetokun’s condolence message was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.
He thereby emphasised the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on the roads, cautioning against the negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to disastrous incidents.
The statement reads, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and the good people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred yesterday, January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State. This horrific incident occurred when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and eventually caught fire, resulting in the loss of over 73 lives and numerous others injured, with the destruction of several shops and property.
“The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on our roads, warns firmly against the negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents.
“The IGP therefore directs all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies, to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways. The IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by the traffic rules in order to prevent any tragedies.
“The IGP, while praying for the souls of the departed, therefore calls on all stakeholders, including transport operators and the general public, to prioritize safety and responsibility in their operations and actions, ensuring that such ugly incidents do not occur in the future.”
