In the wake of a devastating tanker fire at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State, the government has launched an emergency response to provide medical care for the victims.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago directed the deployment of free medical services and additional health workers to manage the crisis.
The Niger State government expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, which occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Describing the incident as “sympathetic,” the governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullbaqy Usman Ebbo, assured the public of the administration’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the victims.
Following the governor’s directive, an 18-member medical team from the Ministry of Health was deployed to treat those injured in the explosion. The team, led by the Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello, includes key officials such as the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Murtala Bagana.
According to Ebbo, the medical team provided immediate care at two facilities: Suleja General Hospital and Shehu Musa Yar’adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area.
“Upon assessing the condition of the patients, several were found to require intensive care and were referred to tertiary healthcare facilities in Abuja,” Ebbo said.
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Casualty and Patient Update
At Suleja General Hospital, 43 male patients were admitted following the incident. Seven lost their lives, while three were discharged to recover at home. Ten patients were referred to Abuja for specialist care, and 23 remain hospitalised with varying degrees of burns.
At the General Hospital in Sabon-Wuse, 23 patients were admitted. Tragically, three died within the first 6–8 hours of admission, while 19 were discharged against medical advice after signing consent forms. One critically injured patient has been referred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
Government Support
In addition to deploying medical personnel, the Niger State government provided medical supplies and commodities to both hospitals. The response highlights the administration’s swift action to address the healthcare needs arising from the disaster.
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