A devastating tanker explosion has claimed the lives of no fewer than 30 people and left about 40 others injured in Niger State. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Essan and Badeggi communities, situated along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy happened after a fuel-laden tanker overturned, spilling its contents. As residents rushed to scoop the leaking fuel, the tanker suddenly exploded, triggering a massive fire that consumed scores of people on the spot. Many of the victims were reportedly burnt beyond recognition, while survivors with severe burns were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers Association and National Ex-Officio of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Farouk Kawo, described the incident as both “devastating and avoidable.”
Kawo explained that the tanker, which was transporting petroleum products from Lagos to the northern region, lost control and crashed before the explosion. He revealed that over 30 tanker-related accidents had been recorded along the Bida–Agaie route in the month of October alone, blaming the recurring tragedies on the deplorable condition of the road.
He further expressed worry over the persistent habit of some residents rushing to collect spilled fuel from accident scenes, despite repeated warnings about the dangers.
“Just last Sunday, a tanker carrying groundnut oil also crashed in the same area, and people still trooped out to scoop the product,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Kawo appealed to Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, to urgently rehabilitate the affected portion of the Bida–Agaie road to prevent further loss of lives and property.
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