Tragic Weekend in Niger State: 70 Burnt to Death in Tanker Explosion

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Niger State over the weekend as at least 70 people, including women and children, lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion while attempting to scoop fuel from a crashed vehicle. The horrific incident, which occurred on Saturday morning at Dikko Junction along the Niger-Kaduna expressway, also left 56 people severely injured.

Despite warnings from authorities about the dangers of siphoning fuel from fallen tankers, desperate residents rushed to collect the highly flammable liquid, leading to a deadly inferno. Officials have launched an investigation into the incident, while the Federal Government has pledged to enhance safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of how the disaster occurred. Ibrahim Suleiman, a resident of Dikko, recounted that he was on a motorcycle when he saw the tanker crash. According to him, the scene quickly turned chaotic as no security personnel were present to manage the situation or warn people to stay away.

“The tanker began to spill fuel, and as soon as people noticed, they rushed in to scoop it. Before I knew it, there was an explosion, and many people were engulfed in flames. It was terrifying,” Suleiman said.

Another eyewitness, identified as Modestus, explained that the explosion was triggered when the main body of the tanker detached from its head. “More than 80 people lost their lives. Emergency response was slow, and only local vigilantes were available to assist. There was no immediate help from government agencies,” he lamented.

Authorities Confirm Casualties in Niger State explosion and Launch Investigation

The Niger State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the accident, stating that at least 50 people died on the spot, while 42 others suffered severe burns. According to him, 23 victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Suleja Niger State, while another 19 were admitted to a different medical facility in the area.

In a statement, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed that the explosion was triggered when spilled petrol came into contact with a generator being used to transfer fuel from the crashed tanker. “The explosion resulted in the deaths of over 50 individuals, left many injured, and caused property damage worth millions of naira,” he stated.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) later revised the casualty figure to 70, adding that many victims were burnt beyond recognition. NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, criticizing the persistent disregard for public safety warnings regarding fuel siphoning. “Despite repeated sensitization efforts, people continue to engage in this dangerous act, leading to avoidable deaths,” she said.

Niger State Government and Stakeholders React

Following the tragedy, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed his condolences to the affected families and described the incident as “heartbreaking and unfortunate.” His Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, stated that the governor has directed relevant government agencies to ensure swift medical assistance for survivors and enhance security in the affected area.

The Federal Fire Service Controller-General, Abdulganiyu Jaji, urged fuel station owners and tanker operators to take stricter measures against reckless driving, which often leads to such fatal accidents. “We need to enforce stringent safety regulations for fuel transportation, as these incidents have become increasingly frequent,” Jaji warned.

In response to the disaster, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, ordered an immediate investigation into the explosion. He emphasized the need for heightened safety protocols in fuel transportation and pleaded with citizens to avoid collecting fuel from fallen tankers. “Lives are too precious to be lost unnecessarily. We must all work together to prevent these tragedies,” he said.

Rising Trend of Tanker Explosions in Nigeria

The Niger tanker explosion is the latest in a disturbing series of similar incidents that have claimed hundreds of lives across Nigeria in recent months.

In October 2024, a tanker explosion in Majiya, Jigawa State, resulted in the deaths of over 150 people and injured 124 others. The accident occurred when a petrol tanker overturned and ignited while residents were attempting to collect spilled fuel.

In September 2024, a tanker exploded in Abuja’s upscale Maitama district after colliding with a commercial bus, leaving two people injured.

Earlier the same month, at least 48 people were killed in Niger State when a tanker collided with another vehicle on the Agaie-Lapai Road, causing a massive explosion.

In Ibadan, Oyo State, a petrol tanker caught fire in the Iyana-Ajia area, destroying multiple vehicles and properties.

These frequent incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety laws and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of fuel scooping. Experts have called for better emergency response mechanisms and the adoption of international best practices in fuel transportation to prevent further loss of lives.

As investigations into the latest Niger State disaster continue, stakeholders are hopeful that new safety measures will be implemented to curb the rising wave of tanker-related explosions across Nigeria