At least 30 people were reportedly killed, while about 40 others sustained injuries after a fuel tanker exploded as residents attempted to scoop petrol in Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around 11 a.m. yesterday at the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that the victims were caught up in the explosion while struggling to collect fuel from the crashed tanker.
“The affected victims were trapped while scooping the petroleum product from the tanker. While they were scooping the product, the tanker exploded, thereby burning many of the victims beyond recognition, while the injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment.”
The Chairman of the State Tanker Drivers and National Ex-Officio of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Farouk Mohammed Kawo, confirmed the incident to journalists in Minna.
“Reports sent to us indicated that the tanker was coming from Lagos and heading to the northern part before the sad incident occurred.
“Within this month (October) alone, over 30 tanker trailers have been involved in various accidents in that particular area because of the very bad nature of the road.
“We have always educated the people, especially the youth, on the danger inherent in scooping fuel during any accident, but they would not listen.
“Just last Sunday, a tanker carrying groundnut oil had an accident in the area, and residents in the area, especially the youth, rushed to the area and started scooping the product.”
He urged the federal government to take urgent action on the road to prevent recurring accidents that result in the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
The Bida-Agaie-Lapai road has long been described as a death trap for motorists, particularly tanker drivers, due to its dilapidated condition that has persisted for years.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Muhammed Umaru Bago, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Essa in Katcha Local Government Area over the tragic incident.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the event as distressing, unfortunate, and deeply saddening.
“This is yet another painful, difficult, and tragic one for the people and the state government.”
“It is disheartening how people have continued to approach a fallen tanker to scoop its contents despite several sensitisation on the danger of such action. I think people should value their lives, no matter the situation, more than material things,” he stated.
The governor commended the management and staff of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for their swift response. He assured that the state government, through relevant MDAs, will provide the necessary support.
