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.
