Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the Dikko Bridge, following the fatal tanker explosion on Saturday.
He directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis should instead pass under the bridge and take a u-turn.
During his visit to the scene of the explosion, Bago expressed sadness over the loss of lives, describing the incident as “pathetic”.
To ensure compliance with the new directive, Bago instructed the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to establish a detachment in the area.
The governor also called on transport unions to cooperate with the FRSC to prevent a reoccurence.
He further emphasized the need for the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja road, citing the delay as a contributing factor to the continuous loss of lives.
He, however, commended the efforts of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, FRSC and the road transport union for their roles in evacuating victims.
Bago announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims receiving treatment in Suleja General Hospital.
