A late-night gas explosion in Sabon Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, has left business owners in distress after destroying multiple shops, vehicles, and foodstuffs.
According to Channels, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday when a gas tanker was offloading at a filling station.
The explosion triggered a massive fire, which spread rapidly, reaching a nearby petrol station and consuming parked vehicles and commercial properties.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident on Sunday. “Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the damage is extensive,” he said.
Residents described the explosion as terrifying, with the impact felt across the community. Musa Aliyu, a local resident, recounted the chaos.
“The fire was so intense that we could see the flames from far away. People rushed out of their homes in fear. It’s a relief that no one was hurt, but the losses are enormous,” he said.
Firefighters arrived hours later to battle the inferno, but by then, valuable goods and properties had already been consumed by the flames. The authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the damage, but affected business owners are left counting their losses.
Emergency responders have urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to safety measures when handling flammable materials.
