Onitsha Tragedy: Atiku expresses shock, sympathises with victims

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Monday in Abuja expressed “deep shock and sadness” at the petrol tanker tragedy at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra.

This was contained in a statement signed by Paul Ibe, Deputy Head of Atiku’s Media Team.

NAN recalls that a fuel-laden tanker on Sunday rammed into a building at the busy Upper Iweka roundabout, killing scores of people and burning 15 vehicles.

Atiku prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and solicited God’s protection for Nigerians nationwide.

“May God accept the souls of the departed into blissful eternity and grant the relatives and families of the deceased bearable fortitude to accept the loss.

“I commiserate with the government and good people of Anambra, in whose abode this huge loss had taken place,” Atiku said.

Atiku advised motorists and road safety agencies to embark on sensitisation programmes on safe and considerate driving.

He also implored Nigerians to unite in moments of tragedy, to demonstrate their national resilience to overcome tough times.

The statement also called for more government investment in health and safety emergency measures to check carnage or reduce casualty figures.