Niger State witnessed a harrowing tragedy on Saturday when at least 70 individuals, including children and a pregnant woman, were burned to death in a Niger Tanker Explosion at Dikko Junction along the Niger-Kaduna expressway.
The Niger Tanker Explosion unfolded when a speeding tanker carrying petrol lost control and overturned, spilling its contents. As residents and passers-by rushed to scoop the leaking fuel, the tanker exploded, engulfing the area in flames.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with Ibrahim Suleiman recounting, “I was on a motorcycle when I saw people rushing to the tanker. Moments later, it exploded. So many lives were lost instantly.” Another witness, Modestus, estimated over 80 casualties, lamenting the absence of emergency responders during the critical early moments.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the death toll at 70, with an additional 56 individuals sustaining severe burns. Victims were rushed to hospitals in Suleja for treatment, but many were burned beyond recognition.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed that the Niger Tanker Explosion occurred during an attempt to transfer fuel from the tanker using a generator, which likely triggered the blast.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and unfortunate.” He directed all relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to the victims and their families.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, condemned the tragedy, urging Nigerians to avoid fuel scooping during tanker accidents that resulted to the Niger Tanker Explosion. He stressed the need for stricter safety protocols and announced an investigation by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
This disaster is the latest in a string of tanker explosions in Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with unsafe fuel transportation and public ignorance of the dangers. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and adherence to safety measures to prevent further loss of life.