Leadnaija
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday morning in a community between Niger and Kaduna states.
It was further learnt that shortly after the speeding tanker fell and spilt its content, onlookers rushed to the scene to scoop the liquid content.
According to an eye witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, the tanker exploded while the residents were trying to scoop the fuel that spilled from the tanker.
Many others sustained various degrees of injury.
“It was while they were scooping the fuel that the tanker exploded and burnt many of the residents who were scooping the fuel.
“Many others who were far from the tanker however escaped but were badly injured in the process of trying to run for their dear lives.
The Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the incidence to newsmen.
He said that he was on the State Governor, Mohammed Bago’s entourage to Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas to inspect the government’s projects and ran into the incident.
Ibrahim said the governor expressed shock at the incident and called on security agents to ensure there was adequate security while other humanitarian agents were working to restore normalcy in the area.
The CPS further stated that the governor called for caution from road users.
“Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expresses shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
“The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate. He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.
“The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
“He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging security agents to ensure security in the area.
“A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker, was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning, after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content.
“Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt,” he stated..Tap Here for the Full Details
