***Death toll now 100
The devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, which has now claimed 100 lives, left survivors recounting harrowing tales of the ordeal. Witnesses described the moments leading to the tragedy, with many highlighting the chaos that ensued as people scrambled to safety.

According to residents near the junction, the tanker had appeared unstable before it overturned and erupted into flames. “We saw the fire spreading so fast; people were running in all directions. It was terrifying,” said Usman Adamu, a shop owner at the scene.

A survivor, Aminu Yakubu, who sustained minor burns, described how he barely escaped the inferno. “I was waiting to board a bus when the explosion happened. I ran as fast as I could, but the heat and smoke were everywhere.”

Local community members have also voiced frustration over recurring tanker accidents in the area, citing poor road conditions and the negligence of some drivers. “This is not the first time we’ve had such an incident here. We need stricter safety regulations and better roads to avoid more lives being lost,” said Grace Okeke, a community leader.

Emergency response teams continue to work tirelessly, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) assuring the public that victims are receiving necessary medical attention. However, critics argue that quicker response times and proactive safety measures could have mitigated the impact of the explosion.

As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recount their stories, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols on Nigeria’s highways.

The Northern Senators Forum has condemned the petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Dikko Junction in Niger State on January 18, 2025, describing it as a preventable disaster that underscores systemic failures in road safety enforcement.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Forum expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and injuries sustained in the incident.
They criticized the apparent lapses in ensuring the roadworthiness of tankers and heavy-duty vehicles, which they said contributed to the calamity.
“This tragedy reflects a broader issue of inadequate safety enforcement on our roads,” the statement read. The Forum called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to intensify efforts in regulating and inspecting tankers and trucks to prevent avoidable accidents.
The Senators also decried the dangerous practice of fuel scooping by locals at accident sites, urging Nigerians to prioritize safety over economic desperation in such situations.
In addition to urging stricter road safety protocols, the Forum emphasized the importance of policy reforms to mitigate risks associated with transporting hazardous materials. Sen. Yar’adua pledged that the Forum would work toward legislative interventions to enhance road safety standards and emergency response systems.
The explosion, which claimed numerous lives and caused significant damage, has reignited concerns about the recurring nature of such tragedies in Nigeria.
The Senators offered their condolences to the victims’ families and called for a collective effort to ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss. It is both unacceptable and preventable. We stand with the victims’ families and will pursue measures to guarantee safer roads for all Nigerians,” Yar’adua stated.
The incident has spurred calls from civil society organizations and citizens for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s transportation sector. Advocates stress the need for regular vehicle inspections, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and public education on the dangers of fuel scooping.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for a robust, collective approach to road safety, ensuring that such calamities become a thing of the past.

The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.