The death toll from the devastating tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 98, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
The tragic incident occurred last Saturday when a fuel-laden tanker overturned and spilled its contents. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, explained that the explosion happened while fuel was being transferred from the crashed tanker to another vehicle. In addition to the fatalities, 69 people sustained injuries, and over 20 shops were destroyed in the fire that followed the blast.
In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu has established a high-level committee to investigate the recurring tanker explosions on Nigerian highways. The Niger State government has also urged the federal government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja road project, which has been linked to the frequent accidents in the area.
