The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Benue State Command, Yakubu Mohammad, on Monday advanced reasons for constant tanker explosions.

In a statement issued on the heels of tanker explosion that rocked the Oshigbudu community in the Agatu Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, the sector commander said the non-usage of safety valves to guard against spillage when tankers were involved in crashes lead to spillage and the attendant destruction.

He warned petroleum tanker owners against the non-usage of safety valves.

According to the statement signed by the command’s Public Education Officer, Oladele Meshach, the sector commander called on all petroleum tanker owners to ensure the immediate installation of safety valves on their tankers to ensure safety of lives, property and the products that the vehicles convey.

Mohammad maintained that it was disheartening to see some petroleum tankers still plying the roads without safety valves fixed on them despite the February 2021 deadline earlier issued.

“This warning came following a crash by a petroleum tanker that lost control, spilled fuel and burst into flames at Oshigbudu in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, April 18, 2021, where 12 persons died as a result of the crash and several properties destroyed,” the statement said.

The sector commander vowed that any driver caught in contravention of the standard would risk going to jail.

He reminded tanker drivers to be safety conscious always and abide by all safety rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Monday, expressed worry over the frequency of tanker explosions on public roads and in residential areas.

He therefore directed relevant government agencies to address the issue.

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He also condoled with the government and people of Benue State over the tanker explosion that left several people dead.

Buhari’s message was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘Tanker explosion: President Buhari condoles with Benue people’.

Shehu quoted Buhari as saying, “I am worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads or residential areas.

“Our road traffic authorities and transportation ministries should urgently address this.’’

Noting that public safety should not be compromised under any circumstances, the President called for strict adherence to safety standards and procedures.

He also directed that the rules should be enforced without fear or favour.