The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to improve road safety and explore alternative methods for transporting highly inflammable petroleum products.

This call comes in the wake of a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Majiya town, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where over 150 people tragically lost their lives, and many others were severely injured.

In a heartfelt statement signed by its National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, IPAC expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the explosion.

The council conveyed its condolences to the families affected, acknowledging the magnitude of their grief, and emphasizing that no words could adequately ease their pain.

Dantalle stated that the council was deeply pained by the incident and stands in solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult time.

IPAC also pointed out the alarming frequency of fuel tanker accidents and explosions that have claimed hundreds of lives across the nation in recent months.

Many of the casualties in these incidents, the council noted, were individuals who had risked their lives by attempting to scoop fuel from the accident sites.

The council stressed that every Nigerian life is valuable and must be protected.

It urged citizens to refrain from the dangerous practice of gathering spilled fuel from accident scenes, which has often resulted in even more catastrophic outcomes.

Furthermore, IPAC called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the life-threatening dangers associated with scooping fuel.

The council emphasized the need for greater community outreach and sensitization efforts to prevent future tragedies of this nature.

In its statement, IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the government and people of Jigawa State during this challenging period.

It stressed the importance of collective efforts to make Nigeria a safer and more secure nation for all its citizens.

The council also extended its prayers, asking Almighty Allah to comfort the grieving families and grant them the strength to cope with their irreparable losses.

IPAC additionally wished those injured in the explosion a speedy and complete recovery.

The explosion in Majiya town has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safer practices in the transportation of petroleum products.

With repeated incidents of fuel tanker accidents causing widespread death and destruction, many are calling on the government to implement long-term solutions, such as the construction of pipelines or the adoption of rail transport for petroleum, which could greatly reduce the reliance on road tankers.

These solutions, combined with stricter regulations and enforcement, could help prevent further loss of life.

The Jigawa tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the need for both government action and public cooperation to safeguard lives.

IPAC’s message resonates with the broader calls for improved safety measures, not only for fuel transportation but also in protecting citizens from preventable disasters.