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January 20, 2025 Niger Tanker Explosion: 98 Dead, 69 Injured, 20 Shops Destroyed
IFMNEWS

Niger Tanker Explosion: 98 Dead, 69 Injured, 20 Shops Destroyed

Death Toll in Niger Tanker Explosion Rises to 98, 69 Injured, 20 Shops Destroyed

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, has provided an update on the devastating tanker explosion that occurred in Diko, Niger State.

As of midday on January 20, 2025, the death toll has climbed to 98, with 69 individuals sustaining injuries. The explosion also resulted in the destruction of 20 shops, leaving business owners in the area facing substantial losses.

In a statement, Baba-Arah described the incident as a catastrophic tragedy that has plunged the state into mourning. He confirmed that rescue operations are still underway, with emergency responders working diligently to provide medical care to the injured and recover the bodies of those who lost their lives.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident,” Baba-Arah said. “The state government and NSEMA are committed to supporting the victims and ensuring that those injured receive the care they need.”

The explosion has sparked widespread grief and concern, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

RELATED: Death Toll from Niger Tanker Explosion Rises to 86; 80 Victims Buried in Mass Grave

January 20, 2025 Five Dead in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash
IFMNEWS

Five Dead in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash

Tragedy struck late Sunday night as five people lost their lives in a road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Fatgbems Bus Stop, according to Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command.

The accident involved a Mercedes-Benz SUV driven recklessly, which lost control near Longbridge while heading toward Mowe Bus Stop. The vehicle crashed into a culvert, flipped over, and landed in the opposite direction.

Odutola confirmed that three male and two female adults inside the SUV were killed, while one passenger sustained injuries. "The roof of the vehicle was completely torn off, and the damage to the car was extensive," she said.

Traffic police quickly responded to the scene, documented the accident, and transported the injured passenger to AZ Carezone Hospital in Magboro for medical treatment. The remains of the deceased were taken to Real Divine Hospital in Ibafo for preservation.

Family members of those involved have been contacted, and the police urged all road users to exercise caution and drive responsibly to prevent such tragedies.

January 20, 2025 Akwa Ibom Government to Begin Payment of New ₦80,000 Minimum Wage and Arrears
IFMNEWS

Akwa Ibom Government to Begin Payment of New ₦80,000 Minimum Wage and Arrears

The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to begin the implementation of the new ₦80,000 minimum wage for verified workers starting with January 2025 salaries, including arrears from November 2024. Governor Umo Eno made this announcement during the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

Governor Eno praised the Akwa Ibom NUJ for their professionalism and patriotism in supporting the state’s ARISE Agenda and urged critics to focus on promoting the state rather than undermining its progress. He commended the leadership of the NUJ State Council Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, and pledged to complete the Union Secretariat during Etuk’s tenure.

The governor also announced the donation of an SUV for the NUJ chairman and saloon cars for the eleven members of the State Working Committee.

Addressing concerns about the new minimum wage, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of worker verification. He noted that salaries and arrears for verified workers would be paid promptly and discouraged misleading narratives about the process.

“The ₦80,000 minimum wage will be paid starting January, covering arrears from November for verified employees,” the governor stated. “If you haven’t been verified, you won’t be paid, no matter the threats of industrial action. Our commitment is clear, and I stand by my words.”

Governor Eno also highlighted his administration’s efforts to clear the ₦97 billion backlog of gratuities and entitlements for state workers, reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the Akwa Ibom workforce.

He described the frequent threats of industrial action by some labor leaders as unnecessary, stating, “I am yet to see another state government in Nigeria that treats its workers better than we do.”

In his Thanksgiving speech, NUJ State Council Chairman Comrade Amos Etuk expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his support of journalists and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to collaborating with the government to achieve the objectives of the ARISE Agenda.

The Thanksgiving Service was hosted in honor of Governor Eno and served as a platform to strengthen the partnership between the state government and the media in fostering development in Akwa Ibom.

 

January 20, 2025 Tinubu Plans Committee to Address Tanker Explosions — Minister
IFMNEWS

Tinubu Plans Committee to Address Tanker Explosions — Minister

President Bola Tinubu is set to establish a high-powered committee to investigate the recurring incidents of tanker explosions in Nigeria and implement robust safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced this initiative on Sunday during his visit to the Emir of Suleja's Palace. The visit was to commiserate with victims of Saturday’s tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Idris disclosed that the committee would include representatives from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers’ associations, and other key stakeholders. The committee will work to develop actionable solutions and policies aimed at improving tanker safety across the country.

Additionally, the Minister stated that his ministry would launch enlightenment campaigns to promote safe fuel tanker transportation, road safety practices, and awareness about the dangers of scooping leaked fuel.

Idris was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside other top government officials. The delegation visited various hospitals in Suleja, where 55 injured individuals from the explosion were receiving medical care. They also planned to visit Dikko Junction, now a stark reminder of the devastating risks posed by fuel tankers on Nigerian roads.

The tragic explosion on January 18, 2025, claimed at least 86 lives and left 55 others injured. Many of the victims were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred.

Tanker explosions have become alarmingly frequent in Nigeria, especially as petrol prices have skyrocketed since President Tinubu took office in May 2023. Earlier in January, a tanker fire in Agbor, Delta State, killed five people. In October 2024, a catastrophic explosion in Jigawa State claimed more than 170 lives, with scores injured.

The rise in tanker explosions comes amid Nigeria’s worst economic crisis in decades, marked by soaring inflation and widespread poverty. Inflation rates have exceeded 30% for months, with a high of 34% in June 2024 before easing to 32.7% in September. Over 56% of Nigerians now live below the poverty line, a sharp increase from 40% in 2018, according to the World Bank.

The frequency and severity of these explosions highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of fuel transportation, address economic hardships, and protect lives on Nigeria’s roads.

READ ALSO: Death Toll from Niger Tanker Explosion Rises to 86; 80 Victims Buried in Mass Grave

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