Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has declared of a two-day state mourning in honour of the victims of the Lokoja tanker explosion.
The state Commissioner of Information, Kingsley Fanwo, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday night.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that over 40 lives were lost in the tanker explosion that occurred on Wednesday at the Felele axis of Lokoja the Kogi State capital.
According to Fanwo, the Kogi State Government described the incident as a great loss to the state and is saddened by the unfortunate incident that claimed many lives. He noted that a full investigation will also be carried out to determine the causes of the painful incident.
The commission, however, revealed that the remains of the victims have been buried on Wednesday evening at the state capital.
The statement reads: “The people are the State. Therefore, the primary responsibility of the Government is to ensure the safety and well-being of the Kogi people.
”As a result of the importance placed on the lives of our people, the Government has declared a two-day state mourning to honor the departed souls.
“In this time of grief, we urge the people to be deep in sober reflection and stand together for one another to pull out of the agonizing loss.
“Government wishes to reiterate her call on road users to act responsibly in order to avert unfortunate situations that simple care and caution could have averted.
“Full investigations will also be carried out to determine the causes of the painful incident.
“The Kogi State Government wishes to assure families that lost loved ones and those whose houses were affected of support at this trying moment.
“We also call on relevant Federal Government agencies to provide relief materials to support what the State Government shall be providing.
“Our hearts are with the affected families. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
