***Governor Bago Condoles with Families of Victims
Over 60 people were killed in a tragic explosion early Saturday morning at the popular Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.
An eyewitness reported that the petrol tanker, traveling from Lagos to a northern state, became stuck on a bad section of the road at the junction. While attempting to navigate the spot, the tanker overturned, spilling its highly flammable contents.
Disaster struck when local youths, attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker, were caught in a massive explosion. The fire claimed the lives of many scoopers, passersby, and motorists. Vehicles, motorcycles, shops, and other properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed.
Several people sustained varying degrees of burns and are currently receiving treatment at a government healthcare facility in the area.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the frequent occurrence of fuel tanker accidents in the state as heartbreaking.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the deceased while wishing the injured a speedy recovery. The governor directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to respond swiftly to the disaster.
Governor Bago also urged security agencies to ensure the safety of the affected area and called on residents to prioritize their safety and avoid risky behavior.
This incident is the latest in a series of recurring fuel tanker explosions in Niger State, which have claimed over 100 lives and destroyed properties worth hundreds of millions of naira since 2019.
In 2019 alone, three major tanker explosions occurred, resulting in significant loss of lives and property.
A similar disaster in May 2019 at the same Dikko Junction killed 26 people, destroyed 35 shops, and burned 19 vehicles.
Between July and October 2020, three more tanker-related explosions further devastated the state.
In response to these frequent tragedies, former Governor Alhaji Sani Bello proposed banning fuel tankers from state highways, threatening violators with fines or jail terms.
However, the law was never implemented before the end of his tenure in 2023.
This latest disaster highlights the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of road users in Niger State.