Tanker explosion
Update: Death toll in Niger tanker explosion hits 86
Death toll has hit 86 with 84 people already given mass burial in tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the figure of people who are dead in the disaster.
In a coordinated effort, NSEMA, Gurara LGA authorities, and volunteers worked together to recover and bury the remains of the deceased.
A mass burial was held at the Dikko Primary Healthcare premises, where 80 victims were laid to rest.
Five others were handed over to their families for burial, while one person succumbed to injuries at the healthcare facility.
The mass burial was a somber and challenging task, taking place between 5 p.m. and midnight.
Brave and compassionate volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the proper handling of the victims.
In addition to the loss of life, 55 people were injured in the explosion, with one fatality recorded at the healthcare facility in Dikko.
NSEMA is working closely with relevant agencies to manage the aftermath of the disaster and provide support to the injured and affected families.
In response to the incident, the Niger State Government has directed that no vehicles coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass through the Dikko Bridge.
Governor Umaru Bago issued the directive during a visit to the scene of the explosion, citing the recklessness of some drivers as a contributing factor to the tragedy.
Governor Bago described the tanker explosion as “pathetic” and thanked God that the incident did not extend to neighboring communities.
He also called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, citing the delay in the project as a contributing factor to the continuous loss of lives.
The governor expressed gratitude to NSEMA, the fire service, and other agencies that contributed to the evacuation of victims.
He also announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims receiving treatment in Suleja General Hospital.