Niger Tanker Explosion: Senators and Officials Express Outrage as Death Toll Reaches 96
Senators from the 19 Northern states and other officials are mourning as the death toll from the petrol tanker accident at Dikko Junction on the Dikko-Maje road in Niger State has reached 96.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, have both expressed their sadness over this tragic accident and have extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In an update, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), reported that the death toll has risen to 96, with 69 individuals injured and 20 shops burned in the explosion.
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF), in a statement made by its Chairman, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to ensure that all tankers and heavy-duty vehicles are roadworthy and comply with strict safety standards.
The statement said, “The Northern Senators are deeply saddened by the recent petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on January 18, 2025, which has claimed numerous lives and left many others injured. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations on our roads. Such incidents could be avoided if the enforcement agencies take necessary precautions.”
While mourning the loss of lives, the forum offered its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, praying for the souls lost to find eternal rest.
Governor Yusuf also conveyed his sympathies to the government and people of Niger State regarding this devastating incident. In a statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature, he remarked, “This heartbreaking event serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring safety.”
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security expressed his sorrow over the recurrent incidents of fuel tanker crashes on highways, which lead to significant human casualties, severe injuries, and the destruction of property. He praised the efforts of emergency responders in evacuating the injured and controlling the spread of the fire.
He stated, “It is unacceptable for sorrow to be a routine experience due to these frequent fuel tanker crashes. Many lives are lost, and the sight of mass burials for victims burned beyond recognition is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prevent such tragedies.”
He emphasized the urgent need for advocacy programs addressing the dangers associated with fuel tankers, noting that no region is immune from these incidents. Communities must be educated about the precautions to take during fuel tanker emergencies, particularly stressing that the volatility of fuel makes any spilled fuel not worth the potential tragedy.
Furthermore, he called upon Road Transport Owners and Workers, especially those involved in transporting hazardous materials like fuel, to organize regular refresher courses for their drivers, apprentices, and others involved in the transportation process.
COMMENTS