A tanker explosion occurred in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, on Saturday, January 18, resulting in the loss of numerous lives, including women and children.
Around 9 am, the petrol-laden tanker fell, spilling fuel onto the ground.
A large crowd gathered around the tanker to scoop fuel.
Unfortunately, the explosion occurred shortly after, claiming over 100 lives and leaving many others with severe injuries.
A resident of Dikko, Mr. John, estimated the number of fatalities, stating, “The dead bodies I saw were more than 100, including children and women.”
He said, “Some victims were taken to Suleja General Hospital and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse town, but they were rejected because of the severity of their burns.”
Another resident, Abubakar Hussaini, explained that the explosion affected many passers-by, including visitors heading to the Dikko weekly Saturday market, which was nearby. He noted that the blast occurred opposite the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Dikko, but did not detonate immediately.
An official of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) mentioned that determining the exact number of victims was challenging until the fire was fully extinguished.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim. The governor expressed his deep sorrow over the explosion, calling it “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate.” He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, praying for the repose of the departed souls while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
