The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed sympathy to his Niger State counterpart, Governor Mohammed Bago, the government and people of Niger State over the tanker explosion that reportedly claimed no fewer than 35 lives and left 17 people hospitalised.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, also condoled with families of the victims over a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, said the incident is worrisome and pathetic.

He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I read and followed the development of the disaster that happened yesterday along the Bida/Agaie highway in Niger State following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker that reportedly claimed about 35 persons.

He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with my brother, Governor Mohammed Bago, the Government and the people of Niger State, as well as the deceased families and victims of the sad incident.

“I pray for the repose of the deceased and ask that the Almighty God grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. I wish those receiving treatment a quick recovery.”