The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that the death toll from the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 86.

In a press statement, NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah revealed that the remains of the victims were recovered and buried through a collaborative effort involving NSEMA, Gurara Local Government authorities, and local volunteers.

Of the deceased, 80 were laid to rest in a mass grave located at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises. Five others were handed over to their families for private burials within the community, while one victim succumbed to injuries at the Dikko PHC.

The mass burial, which began at 5 p.m. and concluded at midnight, was carried out by dedicated volunteers and officials who worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances to ensure the dignified handling of the victims.

The number of injured individuals has climbed to 55, with one additional fatality recorded at the healthcare facility. NSEMA, in collaboration with other agencies, continues to provide support to the injured and their families while managing the disaster’s aftermath.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, with further updates expected as recovery efforts continue.

In response to the tragedy, the Niger State Government has issued directives to improve traffic management and enhance safety in the affected area. Governor Umaru Bago, during a visit to the explosion site, directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis should no longer pass through the Dikko Bridge. Instead, they must use the underpass and make appropriate U-turns.

The Governor expressed concern over the reckless behavior of some drivers and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the new traffic directive. He also urged transport unions to cooperate with the authorities to ensure compliance.

Governor Bago described the explosion as a “pathetic and tragic” event but expressed gratitude that the disaster did not spread to nearby communities. He appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, citing its delayed construction as a contributing factor to the frequent loss of lives in the region.

The Governor commended the efforts of NSEMA, the fire service, and other agencies involved in the evacuation and support of victims. He also announced plans to redeploy doctors from Minna hospitals to assist in treating injured victims at the Suleja General Hospital.

This devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical need for improved safety protocols and infrastructure development to prevent future tragedies.

The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu has been abducted from her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

The incident, confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, has left the Arepo community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area shaken.

According to the police, the kidnappers executed a coordinated attack as Mrs. Odumosu was about to enter her home. Her Lexus Jeep was intercepted, and she was forcibly dragged out and taken through a swampy area to an unknown location.

“The divisional police officer has led a team of officers to the scene, and they are actively searching the swampy bush area,” Odutola stated.

Efforts to secure her release have also enlisted local community leaders. “The Baale of Warewa and Maaba have been contacted to mobilize local security forces in the riverine area,” she added.

The abduction has heightened tensions in the area, with police and local security forces intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the victim. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

The Enugu State Government has issued a public alert regarding an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, recently reported in Kano State.

In a statement, Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, confirmed that the outbreak has affected several bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys. He warned that the disease poses a significant risk of spreading to neighbouring states, including Enugu, due to its epidemiology and the prevailing environmental conditions in Nigeria.

To mitigate this risk and protect public health and the poultry industry in Enugu State, Ubru directed government veterinary personnel to intensify preventive measures. Efforts are being ramped up to educate poultry farmers, traders, and the general public on the dangers of HPAI and strategies to prevent its spread.

Surveillance teams have been deployed to monitor poultry farms and markets closely for signs of infection. The Commissioner urged residents to report unusual bird deaths or symptoms of HPAI to designated veterinary officials or available contacts immediately.

“The cooperation of all stakeholders is crucial in maintaining strict biosecurity measures and promptly reporting suspicions. The Enugu State Government remains committed to safeguarding the health of its residents and ensuring the sustainability of the poultry sector,” Ubru emphasized.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and adhere to all preventive guidelines to minimize the risk of an outbreak in the state.