National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed 86 lives, with the victims buried in a mass ceremony.
Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the figures during a briefing on Sunday.
According to Arah, 80 victims were interred in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Health Care premises, while five bodies were released to their families for private burial. One other victim, who sustained severe injuries, succumbed to death at the healthcare center.
The explosion occurred when a tanker transporting fuel from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at the junction, spilling its contents.
Despite warnings from authorities to stay away, residents gathered at the scene to scoop fuel. This reckless act worsened the tragedy, as the tanker exploded, killing many on the spot and leaving scores injured.
“It was an avoidable disaster,” Arah said. “We repeatedly cautioned people to stay away, but they ignored the warnings. Now, we are left to mourn this massive loss of life.”
The mass burial, conducted by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara Local Government officials and volunteers, spanned from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Arah also revealed that 55 individuals sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
One eyewitness, Aliyu Musa, described the scene as chaotic: “People rushed in with buckets and jerrycans, despite the danger. The explosion was sudden and devastating. It’s a lesson for everyone to avoid such risky behavior.”
The incident has also resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of naira, with businesses and vehicles near the explosion site severely damaged.
State officials have urged residents to heed safety warnings and avoid high-risk activities around flammable materials. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, in a statement, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support for those affected.
“We will strengthen awareness campaigns to educate our people on the dangers of fuel scooping and similar acts,” the governor said. “This is a painful moment for Niger State, and we must ensure it never happens again.”
The tragic event underscores the need for stricter safety regulations and public awareness to prevent future occurrences.
