A devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State has left 78 people confirmed dead, with several others injured.
The tragic event, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked widespread grief within the community and heightened concerns about road safety in the region.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the death toll to Channels Television, revealing that 25 individuals were injured and rushed to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and other nearby health facilities for medical care.
In response to the incident, the Niger State Government has issued a directive barring vehicles from the Maje axis from passing through the Dikko Bridge.
Governor Umaru Bago, who visited the site of the explosion, condemned the reckless behavior of certain drivers and stressed the importance of following safety regulations.
He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a presence in the area to ensure the enforcement of the new traffic measures.
While mourning the devastating loss of life, Governor Bago expressed relief that the explosion did not spread to nearby communities.
He urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja road, citing delays in the project as a contributing factor to the high rate of fatalities on the road.
The Governor praised the efforts of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, and Road Safety, as well as other agencies involved in the evacuation and care of victims.
Medical teams from Minna hospitals are being deployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving care at the Suleja General Hospital.
The explosion at Dikko Junction serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigeria’s roads.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with possible factors including mechanical failure or human error being considered.
This latest incident follows a similar tragedy in October in Jigawa State, where more than 170 lives were lost in a tanker explosion. In 2020, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported over 1,500 fuel tanker accidents, resulting in more than 500 fatalities.
