Niger Tanker Explosion Deaths Rise To 86, 80 Buried In Mass Grave
Following the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State on Saturday, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported 86 deaths.
According to a press statement issued by NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the deceased’s remains were retrieved and interred through a collaborative effort by NSEMA, Gurara LGA officials, and volunteers.
Of the deceased, 80 were buried in a mass grave on the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) grounds. Five others were given over to their families for burial within the town, while one died from injuries at the Dikko PHC.
The mass burial, a sombre and difficult undertaking, took place between 5 p.m. and midnight, with brave and kind volunteers working diligently to assure the victims’ adequate care.
The number of injured has increased to 55, with one fatality reported at the Dikko healthcare centre.
NSEMA, in partnership with relevant agencies, is still managing the disaster’s aftermath while also offering assistance to the injured and their families.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the devastation caused by such explosions, highlighting the need for greater safety measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents.
More information will be supplied as investigations and recovery operations continue.
Following the event, the Niger State Government ordered that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis be permitted to cross the Dikko Bridge.
Governor Umaru Bago gave the directive when he visited the scene of the explosion around Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Governor, who chastised some drivers’ carelessness, advised them to follow under the bridge and make a proper U-turn.
He directed the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to form a detachment in the region to ensure the directive’s execution, and he requested cooperation from relevant transport unions.
Governor Bago termed the tanker explosion as sad, praising God that the tragic occurrence did not affect the nearby people.
He urged the Federal Government to speed steps to complete the Minna-Suleja Road, since the project’s delays are contributing to the ongoing loss of lives.
The governor commended the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the fire service, and other agencies that assisted in the evacuation of casualties.
He stated that doctors from Minna hospitals will be redeployed to assist with the treatment of injured victims at Suleja General Hospital.