A tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area, has claimed the lives of 86 people, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
In a press statement issued by NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the victims’ remains were recovered and interred in a coordinated operation involving the agency, local authorities, and volunteers.
Eighty victims were buried in a mass grave at the premises of the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), while five were handed over to their families for private burial within the community. Another individual succumbed to injuries at the healthcare facility.
The mass burial, conducted from 5 p.m. to midnight, was carried out by volunteers and emergency responders who worked tirelessly under challenging circumstances to honor the deceased.
NSEMA also reported that the number of injured has risen to 55, with one fatality recorded during treatment at the PHC. Efforts are ongoing to provide medical care to the injured and support to grieving families.
Government Response
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State visited the site of the explosion and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He directed that vehicles from the Maje axis should no longer pass through the Dikko Bridge, instead urging drivers to use the underpass and make U-turns appropriately.
The Governor tasked the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander to deploy personnel in the area to enforce the directive and appealed to transport unions for cooperation.
He condemned the recklessness of some drivers and described the incident as “pathetic,” while thanking God the tragedy did not spread to nearby communities.
Governor Bago called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, citing its delay as a contributing factor to recurring accidents. He also commended NSEMA, the fire service, and other emergency agencies for their swift response and assistance during the evacuation and recovery efforts.
To aid the treatment of the injured, the Governor announced the redeployment of doctors from Minna hospitals to Suleja General Hospital, where many of the victims are receiving care.
