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Death Toll Rises to 86 in Niger State Tanker Explosion

January 20, 2025

 

The death toll from the tragic tanker explosion in Dikko, Niger State, has climbed to 86, with 80 victims buried in a mass grave, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed on Sunday.

Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, NSEMA’s Director-General, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that five victims were taken by relatives for burial, while one succumbed to injuries at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre. The number of injured has also risen to 55.

The explosion occurred Saturday morning on the Dikko-Maje road in Gurara Local Government Area when a tanker carrying petrol overturned. An attempt to transfer its contents led to a fire after a generator was switched on, igniting the spilled fuel.

Many residents had gathered to scoop petrol from the fallen tanker before the explosion, which destroyed properties and claimed dozens of lives.

President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families, the Niger State government, and its residents. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president labeled the tragedy preventable and directed security and road safety agencies to implement measures to avert similar disasters.

He also instructed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch a nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of scooping fuel from accident sites.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nantewe Yilwatda, described the explosion as a national tragedy and urged stricter adherence to traffic regulations to prevent future incidents.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, expressed his condolences, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of such accidents. He called for enhanced safety measures in the transportation of flammable materials.

Ogun State Governor and Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also expressed his grief, urging Niger State residents to remain resilient in the face of the devastating loss.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun extended his sympathies and directed state commissioners of police to strengthen Motor Traffic Divisions and enforce safety protocols for fuel transportation. He urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent further tragedies.

The Dikko explosion underscores the urgent need for stricter safety standards in the transportation of flammable materials. Authorities and stakeholders face renewed pressure to prioritize road safety and prevent avoidable disasters that claim innocent lives and devastate communities.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale




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