The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has expressed deep sympathy to Governor Umar Bago of Niger State and the families affected by the tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area.
The tragic incident claimed 77 lives and caused massive destruction, with several houses and shops completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the explosion happened when a petrol-laden tanker overturned, and another tanker arrived to transfer its contents.
Unfortunately, while people gathered to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker, an explosion occurred, igniting a wildfire that consumed the area, including the vehicles.
Ghe Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll in an interview with national television.
He also reported that 25 injured victims were taken to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and surrounding areas for urgent medical care.
Following the tragedy, the Niger State Government issued a directive prohibiting vehicles from passing through the Dikko Bridge from the Maje axis.
Bago, during his visit to the explosion site near Dikko Junction, expressed concern over the reckless behavior of some drivers. He instructed that vehicles should take an underpass and make a proper U-turn instead.
The governor urged the Federal Road Safety Corps, Sector Commander to deploy personnel to enforce the directive and called for cooperation from transport unions.
While describing the explosion as a “pathetic” event, he expressed gratitude that the fire did not extend to nearby communities.
Bago also called on the federal government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, highlighting that delays in the project contribute to avoidable fatalities.
He appreciated the efforts of emergency responders, including the fire service and NSEMA, for their role in evacuating victims.
Furthermore, he announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be deployed to assist in treating the injured at Suleja General Hospital.
In response, the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, extended the forum’s condolences to Governor Bago and the bereaved families.
A statement from Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, expressed sorrow over the tragedy.
“The Forum is saddened by the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, in which dozens of people have been killed or injured. The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Umar Bago, the families who have lost loved ones, and our compatriots who sustained injuries in the explosion.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragic incident, and we wish those injured a swift recovery. Once again, we urge our compatriots to act with extreme caution and absolute respect for life at all times, particularly in situations of grave danger such as during a petrol spill. The Forum prays for the repose of the souls of the deceased victims,” the statement read.
