A tragic gasoline tanker explosion in Niger State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of at least 98 people and left 69 others injured as of January 20, 2025. The catastrophic incident occurred on January 18, near Dikko Junction in the Gurara Local Government Area, when a fuel tanker exploded while individuals attempted to transfer fuel from a damaged vehicle using a generator.
Details of the Incident
The explosion took place in the early hours of Saturday, igniting a massive fire that engulfed nearby bystanders and shops. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a crowd had gathered at the scene, with many attempting to collect spilt gasoline from the overturned tanker. This reckless behaviour is not uncommon in Nigeria, where individuals often seek to capitalise on such incidents for personal gain.
In the aftermath of the explosion, emergency services mobilised quickly to respond to the disaster. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that many victims were taken to hospitals in Suleja and Sabon Wuse for treatment. Unfortunately, some succumbed to their injuries shortly after being admitted.
Mass Burial and Community Response
In a sombre display of community solidarity, local authorities conducted a mass burial for the victims. A total of 80 bodies were interred in a mass grave at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre, while five others were returned to their families for private burials. The burial process faced significant challenges as volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that the deceased were treated with dignity.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago visited the site of the explosion and expressed his condolences to the families affected. He condemned reckless driving practices and called for stricter enforcement of road safety measures in the region.
Economic Impact
The explosion also resulted in significant property damage, with 20 shops destroyed by the fire. The loss of these businesses will have a lasting impact on the local economy, further compounding the tragedy for affected families.
Calls for Action
In light of this disaster, various leaders have called for urgent reforms regarding fuel transportation safety protocols. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences and emphasised the need for public awareness campaigns about the dangers associated with collecting fuel from accident scenes. He directed relevant authorities to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has also urged the federal government to review safety protocols guiding fuel transportation across Nigeria, highlighting that such tanker explosions are becoming increasingly common and pose severe risks to public safety.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
