The Federal Government has extended its condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic petrol tanker explosion on Saturday at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, described the incident as devastating, highlighting the significant loss of lives and extensive property damage. “I stand in solidarity with the grieving community and extend my deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones,” he stated.
The Minister also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Acknowledging the swift response to the disaster, Yilwatda commended Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State and his team for their timely intervention. He praised the efforts of the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and concerned citizens who worked tirelessly to evacuate victims and provide immediate support.
According to Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of NSEMA, the explosion claimed 86 lives, with 80 individuals buried in a mass grave while others were released to their families for burial. Additionally, 55 people sustained injuries, with one fatality recorded at a local healthcare facility in Dikko.
The Minister expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of tanker explosions in Nigeria, calling for heightened vigilance and stricter adherence to traffic regulations. He urged motorists, particularly tanker drivers, to exercise caution and avoid reckless driving that endangers lives and property.
“I am deeply troubled by the recurrent tanker explosions across the country, which result in tragic loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of property,” Yilwatda said.
The statement, issued by Rhoda Iliya, the Information Officer for the Ministry, also underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to mitigating such incidents and supporting affected communities.
Meanwhile, Hobnob News reports that the death toll from the explosion has risen to 86, with 55 injured victims receiving medical care.
