A devastating fuel tanker explosion on Saturday at Ugwu Onyeama, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, has reportedly claimed an unconfirmed number of lives, with some eyewitnesses suggesting casualties could exceed 20.

The incident occurred around 12:30 pm on the busy road, a few kilometers from Enugu metropolis, when a petrol-laden tanker exploded, igniting a massive inferno. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as harrowing, with numerous vehicles destroyed and victims burnt beyond recognition.

Efforts to rescue those trapped were reportedly hindered by the intensity of the fire. Emergency responders, including the police and road safety authorities, have yet to release official casualty figures or identify the cause of the explosion.

The tragic event has left the community in mourning, as investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the disaster.

Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has turned a personal visit to the site of the devastating petrol tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, into a clarion call for urgent safety reforms.
The incident, which claimed over 100 lives and left more than 50 injured, has highlighted critical infrastructural and governance gaps in Nigeria.
In an emotionally charged visit, Obi inspected the explosion site, visited survivors in the hospital, and paid respects at the graveyard where 80 victims were buried.
He described the tragedy as preventable and reiterated the need for better road infrastructure, stringent tanker operation regulations, robust healthcare, and poverty alleviation measures.
Meeting with the Sarkin Dikko and his council, Obi expressed condolences and vowed to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
He stressed that governance must protect lives through proactive and strategic planning.
Obi’s visit sheds light on the urgency of addressing systemic challenges to ensure such tragedies never recur, leaving many hopeful for transformative action.

***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.