Tanker explosion claims 12 lives in Benue

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 12 persons in a tanker explosion accident that occured at Oshigbudu, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
A statement by Mr Oladele Meshach, the FRSC Public Education Officer, Benue Sector Command, on Monday in Makurdi, said the explosion occured on Sunday evening.
Meshach said 12 persons lost their lives during the explosion, while property were also destroyed.
He quoted the Sector Commander, Mr Yakubu Mohammad, as warning all petroleum tanker owners against non-use of “Safety Valves” to guard against spillage of petroleum products, when involved in a crash.
Mohammad called on all petroleum tanker owners to ensure immediate installation of Safety Valves on their tankers to ensure safety of lives, properties and the products they are transporting.
He said “the tanker lost its control, spilled fuel and burst in flames. Henceforth, any driver caught disobeying road regulations will risk going to jail,” Mohammad warned.
According to him, it is disheartening to see petroleum tankers still plying the roads without safety valves fixed on them despite the February 2021 deadline earlier issued.
He assured members of the public that FRSC would ensure strict enforcement of road regulations and discipline.
Mohammad also advised tanker drivers to avoid giving their vehicles to their ‘motor boys’ to drive on the highways.
The sector commander, who sympathised with the people of Oshigbudu on the unfortunate incident, prayed for the souls of the departed and wished the families of the deceased fortitude to bear the loss.