A tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of 77 people, plunging the community into mourning.
The incident occurred on Saturday, leaving residents devastated and raising concerns about safety on the roads. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll during a phone interview with Channels Television.
Baba-Arah disclosed that 25 injured victims were rushed to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and other nearby facilities for urgent medical attention.
In response to the tragedy, the Niger State Government has restricted vehicular movement from the Maje axis through the Dikko Bridge. Governor Umaru Bago, who visited the scene, directed that vehicles should use alternative routes and make U-turns under the bridge to prevent further accidents.
The governor expressed concerns over the reckless behavior of some drivers and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a unit in the area to enforce compliance with traffic directives. He also urged transport unions to collaborate with authorities to ensure safer roads.
Describing the explosion as a “pathetic incident,” Governor Bago thanked God that adjoining communities were not affected. He also appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, noting that the delays in the project have contributed to recurring accidents and loss of lives.
The governor commended the efforts of emergency responders, including the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the fire service, for their swift action in evacuating victims. To support ongoing medical efforts, he announced plans to deploy doctors from Minna hospitals to assist in treating those injured at the Suleja General Hospital.
The tragic explosion has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved safety measures for fuel tankers on Nigerian roads. Investigations are currently underway to determine whether the incident was caused by mechanical failure or human error.
Dikko Junction remains a site of sorrow, marked by the loss of lives and the determination of the community to heal from the disaster.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar tragedy in Jigawa State in October, where over 170 people died in a tanker explosion. According to FRSC reports, over 1,531 tanker-related accidents occurred in 2020 alone, claiming more than 535 lives.
Nigerians are once again reminded of the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent such devastating accidents.
