Leadnaija
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sent a rapid response team to Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State after a devastating fuel tanker explosion.
The tragic incident, which happened on Saturday morning along the Dikko-Maje Road near Baddegi Station, claimed at least 70 lives and left 56 others injured.
The fire reportedly started when a tanker carrying petrol (PMS) crashed, and efforts to transfer its contents to another tanker caused the spilled fuel to ignite.
A generator being used during the transfer is believed to have triggered the explosion, which destroyed nearby shops and properties.
Many victims were burned beyond recognition, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for urgent care. The majority of those affected were local residents and passers-by. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.
She criticized the unsafe handling of fuel tankers, noting that such actions have repeatedly led to deadly accidents.
Despite NEMA’s public awareness campaigns highlighting these dangers, many people continue to ignore safety precautions.
Under Mrs. Umar’s direction, the emergency response team, led by Mr. Hussaini Isah from NEMA’s Minna Operation Office, is working with first responders to assist victims and support the affected community.
Mrs. Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to improving public safety and preventing similar tragedies through continued education and swift action.
“This incident serves as another grim reminder of the need for strict adherence to safety measures during such emergencies,” she said.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) also expressed deep sorrow over the Niger tanker explosion.
Chairman Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State described the explosion as a national loss, extending condolences to the people of Niger State and the affected families.
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief across the entire nation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State, as well as to the families who have suffered unimaginable loss in this tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we wish them a swift and complete recovery,” he stated, urging stricter enforcement of safety regulations in the transport and handling of flammable materials.
Governor AbdulRazaq praised the quick response of emergency services and urged citizens to prioritize safety to prevent similar occurrences.
“The NGF stands united in calling for stricter enforcement of safety measures across the country, particularly in the transportation and handling of combustible materials.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance our regulatory frameworks to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“We also commend the swift response of emergency services, first responders, and security agencies in managing the aftermath of this disaster. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to endure this time of profound grief” he concluded.
KanyiDaily had also reported how a petrol tanker explosion claimed the lives of more than 15 people in Ore, the capital of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state.
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