President Muhammadu Buhari has sent out his condolences to Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and the people of Anambra State, over the petrol tanker accident, which claimed the lives of 70 people at a busy bus station in Onitsha.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity), Mallam Garba Shehu, the President described the incident as "a sad and unfortunate loss".
“My deepest sympathies are with you at this most trying time,” the President stated.
President Muhammadu Buhari also extended condolences to the Vice President of United States, Joe Biden, who yesterday lost his son, Beau.
“As someone who has lost a child, I understand how painful and almost inconsolable it can be. The government and people stand with you at this trying moment for your family,” President Muhammadu Buhari stated.
He added that only God can offer comfort to both the governor and people of Anambra, and to Vice President Biden.
“I pray that God comforts you,” he stated.
On his part yesterday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed “deep shock and sadness at the horrific fuel-laden tanker tragedy at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra State that led to the loss of scores of lives and destruction to properties on Sunday”.
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,
Atiku prayed while soliciting God's protection for Nigerians nationwide.
Atiku added: “I commiserate with the Government and good people of Anambra State in whose abode this huge loss had taken place.”
He advised motorists and road safety agencies on safe and considerate driving.
He also implored Nigerians to stick together in moments of tragedy to demonstrate their national resilience to overcome tough times, while seeking more government investment in health and safety emergency measures to help forestall or reduce casualty figures in future occurrences.