A tragic tanker explosion in the early hours of Sunday has claimed the lives of more than 48 people along the Lapai-Agaie road, near Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. when a petrol tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
The truck, traveling from Wudil in Kano State to Lagos, was struck by the tanker, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed the vehicles.
Two additional vehicles, including a crane truck and a pickup van, were also caught in the flames.
The explosion resulted in the death of over 48 individuals, while more than 50 cattle were burnt alive.
The victims, many of whom were trapped inside the charred vehicles, were buried in a mass burial on Sunday.
Rescue efforts, led by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), are ongoing as teams search for more bodies.
NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-arah expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, assuring the public that the agency is working to contain the aftermath of the explosion.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also expressed his sorrow over the incident.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor conveyed his deep sympathy to those who lost loved ones and called for greater caution on the roads to prevent such tragedies.
He urged road users to adhere to traffic laws to protect lives and property.
Governor Bago prayed for the souls of the deceased and for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident.
