The Niger State Government has carried out a mass burial for the victims of a tanker explosion in the Essan community of Katcha Local Government Area, which claimed at least 39 lives and injured 60 others.
In addition, the state government has provided medical supplies worth N10 million to support hospitals treating the injured.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, made this known in a statement on Thursday. He said the government’s delegation, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr. Murtala Bagana, visited the scene to assess the situation.
“The state government explained that out of the about 50 injured persons, some are receiving medical attention for burns, others for inhalation-related injuries at various health facilities such as the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, and General Hospitals Bida, as well as Agaie, while those severely injured are in the National Hospital Abuja, Gwagwalada Specialist, and FMC Jabi.
“The state government has also provided drugs and medical supplies worth over N10m to support hospitals treating the victims and presented cash donations to the affected families receiving care in the hospitals,” Ibrahim said.
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He added that a mass burial and a prayer session were held for the deceased victims.
While commending stakeholders who showed concern for the tragedy, the state government called for urgent rehabilitation of federal roads in Niger State.
“A mass burial for the deceased victims was conducted in Katcha with a special prayer for the repose of their souls and quick recovery for the injured.
“The state government confirmed that normalcy has returned to the affected community and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents while emphasising the need to desist from scooping the content of any fallen tanker.
“It further enjoined the Federal Government to expedite action in fixing all federal roads in the state to avoid recurrence, as the poor state of the Jebba-Mokwa-Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata road contributed to the tragic incident,” Ibrahim stated.
According to reports, the tanker had fallen in an isolated accident along the expressway. Residents reportedly rushed to collect fuel that had spilled, during which the tanker ignited, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 people.