A tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, claimed 77 lives on Saturday, plunging the community into deep mourning and reigniting concerns over road safety in the area.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the death toll during a phone interview with Channels Television.
He also disclosed that 25 injured victims were swiftly transported to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and nearby facilities for urgent medical attention.
In response to the incident, Governor Umaru Bago visited the site and announced immediate safety measures. He directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis must avoid the Dikko Bridge, using alternate routes instead.
Governor Bago also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to deploy officers to enforce the directive and called on transport unions to cooperate with road safety efforts.
Describing the incident as “pathetic,” the Governor expressed gratitude that the explosion did not extend to nearby communities.
He urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the long-delayed Minna-Suleja road project, citing its significance in preventing further tragedies.
The Governor also acknowledged the swift efforts of emergency response teams, including the NSEMA, Fire Service, and FRSC, in evacuating victims and managing the situation.
He announced the redeployment of doctors from Minna hospitals to provide additional medical support to the injured being treated at Suleja General Hospital.
This catastrophe underscores the persistent dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigerian roads. Residents are calling for stricter traffic enforcement and heightened vigilance to avert similar disasters.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, with early suspicions pointing to mechanical failure or human error.
The scene at Dikko Junction remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such incidents. The community mourns its losses while holding on to hope for recovery and better safety measures in the future.
This tragedy follows a series of similar incidents, including one in October that claimed over 170 lives in Jigawa State. According to the FRSC, 1,531 fuel tanker accidents occurred in 2020, resulting in 535 fatalities.