The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 39 people lost their lives and over 60 others sustained severe burns following a devastating petrol tanker explosion in Essan community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie Road, when residents reportedly rushed to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker before it exploded.
In a statement released via its official X handle on Wednesday, NEMA disclosed that the victims—comprising men, women, and children—were among those attempting to collect the leaking petrol when the explosion occurred.
The agency’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately directed the Head of the Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to activate a rescue team and collaborate with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other first responders.
A multi-agency rescue operation involving the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, local vigilantes, and community volunteers was swiftly deployed to the scene. Injured victims were evacuated to nearby medical facilities, including the Essan Primary Health Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for urgent treatment.
NEMA stated that a comprehensive damage assessment in the affected community has commenced.
While sympathizing with the victims’ families, Umar urged Nigerians to avoid the deadly practice of scooping fuel from accident scenes, emphasizing that such acts often result in “tragic, avoidable loss of lives and property.”
She also cautioned residents and motorists to stay away from crash sites and instead notify emergency responders for proper intervention.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State extended his condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the need for increased public safety awareness.
Fuel tanker explosions remain a recurring tragedy across Nigeria. Similar incidents in Rivers, Benue, Ogun, and Ondo states have claimed dozens of lives in recent years.
In January 2025, a tanker explosion along the Dikko–Maje Road in Suleja claimed at least 50 lives, while in June 2025, another petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, leaving multiple injuries and vehicles destroyed.
