Many feared dead in Niger tanker explosion

Seventy-seven lives were lost in a tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State.

The tragic event, which occurred on Saturday, has plunged the community into mourning and raised concerns about safety measures in the area.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll to Channels Television.

According to Baba-Arah, 25 injured victims were rushed to various hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and nearby health facilities for urgent medical attention.

Following the incident, the Niger State Government directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass through the Dikko Bridge.

Governor Umaru Bago gave the directive when he visited the scene of tanker explosion around Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Governor, who decried the recklessness of some drivers, said it is acceptable for any vehicle coming from Maje to pass through the bridge, rather they should follow under the bridge and take a U-turn appropriately.

He enjoined the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive while calling on all relevant transport Unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps.

The tragedy at Dikko Junction serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigerian roads. Many residents are now calling for increased vigilance and enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent a recurrence of such a catastrophe.

Credit: Channels TV