By Sabiu Abdullahi
A petrol tanker explosion on Saturday along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State has left over 50 people dead and many others injured.
The victims were reportedly scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred.
Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Commander in Niger State, confirmed the tragedy in Minna.
He explained that the tanker, laden with petrol, had toppled, spilling its contents onto the road.
“More than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic incident,” he stated, adding that several individuals who attempted to assist the victims were also caught in the inferno.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the incident happened at about 9 a.m. while efforts were underway to transfer the petrol to another tanker.
“In the process, the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) came into contact with a generator used for the transfer, causing the explosion,” he explained.
The disaster destroyed properties worth millions of naira, in addition to the human casualties.
Emergency teams, including NSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and local volunteers, are currently conducting search, rescue, and recovery operations.
Baba-Arah said, “Those injured have been moved to the hospital for treatment while efforts are being made to recover the corpses of the deceased.”
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with responders.
Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, confirmed the incident while accompanying the governor on a project inspection in Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas.
“The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate. He sympathizes with the families of the victims and prays for the recovery of the injured,” Ibrahim stated.
Governor Bago also called on residents to prioritize safety and avoid risky actions such as fuel scooping.