The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has swiftly deployed an emergency rescue team to Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State, following a tragic tanker fire explosion.
According to the Agency, no fewer than 70 people died while 56 persons sustained various degrees of injury during the ugly incident which occurred in the morning hours of Saturday along Dikko-Maje Road opposite Baddegi Station.
According to reports, the explosion occurred after the crashing of a tanker loaded with PMS and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another. In the process, the spilt PMS came in contact with the generator being used to power the transfer, triggering the inferno that have claimed over 70 lives, injured more than 56 persons, and destroyed shops and property.
While most of the deaths were burnt beyond recognition, the injured persons have been evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Most of the victims were members of the community and passers-by.
However, the rescue evacuation is still ongoing.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families.
She condemned the act of poor handling of spilt tankers, stressing the recurrent tragedies associated with such risky behaviour.
The NEMA Boss expressed regrets that, despite the Agency’s extensive public sensitization campaigns with other stakeholders on the dangers of this practice, many individuals continue to ignore the warnings.
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Under her directive, NEMA’s emergency team led by the Head of NEMA Minna Operation Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, is collaborating with first responders to manage the aftermath, including evacuating victims and providing necessary assistance to the affected community.
She also reiterated the Agency’s commitment to “public safety and the prevention of similar incidents through continued awareness and rapid response.
“This incident serves as another grim reminder of the need for strict adherence to safety measures during such emergencies.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Saturday expressed grief over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred today at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway in Niger State, resulting in the loss of over 50 lives and leaving many injured.
The NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State who expressed displeasure over the ugly incident,
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief across the entire nation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State, as well as to the families who have suffered unimaginable loss in this tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we wish them a swift and complete recovery.
“The NGF stands united in calling for stricter enforcement of safety measures across the country, particularly in the transportation and handling of combustible materials.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance our regulatory frameworks to prevent such
occurrences in the future.
“We also commend the swift response of emergency services, first responders, and security agencies in managing the aftermath of this disaster.
“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to endure this time of profound grief.”
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