A tragic tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, has claimed the lives of numerous people, including women and children.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday when a petrol-laden tanker toppled near the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Dikko. Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion happened after people gathered to scoop fuel leaking from the overturned truck.
Mr. John, a resident of the area, described the scene as horrifying, estimating the death toll to exceed 100. “The dead bodies I saw included children and women. Many of the victims who suffered severe burns were rushed to Suleja General Hospital and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse, but they were not admitted due to the extent of their injuries,” he recounted.
According to Mr. John, the tanker initially fell but did not explode immediately, allowing a crowd to gather and scoop fuel before the devastating blast occurred.
Another resident, Abubakar Hussaini, shared that the explosion affected passers-by and traders heading to the nearby Dikko Saturday market.
An official from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) stated that the precise number of casualties could not be determined until the fire was fully extinguished.
In response to the tragedy, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed deep sorrow in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim. Describing the incident as heartbreaking and worrisome, the governor extended his condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the injured to recover swiftly.
The governor urged residents to prioritize safety and act responsibly in such situations to prevent similar disasters. He also directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to provide necessary support and tasked security agencies to maintain order in the affected area.
