Niger State Governor, north-central Nigeria, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that claimed many lives and left several others injured in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the incident as painful, unfortunate, and worrisome. He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Governor Bago lamented that despite repeated warnings and public sensitisation, some people still risk their lives by scooping fuel from fallen tankers. He urged residents to always prioritise safety and value their lives, no matter the situation.
The governor also commended the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for its quick response to the tragedy and assured that the state government will continue to support the victims through relevant agencies.
Reports indicate that the explosion occurred while residents were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.
At least 35 people were reported dead, and more than 40 others were injured following the tanker explosion in the Essa community.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday morning when residents were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion happened around 11 a.m. between Essa and Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road.
The victims were reportedly collecting petrol from the tanker when it exploded, burning many beyond recognition. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Niger State Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Association and National Ex-Officio of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Farouk Mohammed Kawo, confirmed the incident in Minna.
He explained that the tanker was transporting petroleum products from Lagos to northern Nigeria when it crashed.
Road Rehabilitation
Comrade Kawo expressed concern that over 30 tanker accidents had occurred in the same area within the month due to the poor condition of the road.
He also revealed that residents frequently risk their lives scooping products from accident scenes, noting that a similar incident involving a tanker carrying groundnut oil occurred just days earlier.
He appealed to the Niger State Government, under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, to urgently rehabilitate the damaged section of the road to prevent further loss of lives and property.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aisha Sa’adu, also confirmed the incident. She said the remains of the deceased had been taken to the hospital in Bida while the injured victims were receiving treatment.