In a heart-wrenching tragedy, 77 lives were lost on Saturday following a catastrophic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State.
The incident, which has plunged the community into deep mourning, has reignited concerns about road safety and the dangers posed by fuel tankers in Nigeria.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the grim death toll to Channels Television via telephone.
Additionally, 25 injured victims have been rushed to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and surrounding areas for urgent medical treatment.
In response to the tragedy, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago visited the explosion site in Gurara Local Government Area and issued immediate directives to prevent further incidents.
He mandated that vehicles from the Maje axis must no longer pass through the Dikko Bridge, instead directing them to use an alternate route under the bridge and make proper U-turns.
Governor Bago criticized the recklessness of some drivers and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a permanent presence in the area to enforce the new directive.
He urged transport unions to cooperate with authorities in ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.
Speaking on the broader implications of the incident, Governor Bago called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja road project, citing the ongoing delay as a contributing factor to such tragic occurrences.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, and Road Safety Corps for their swift evacuation efforts.
He also announced the redeployment of doctors from Minna hospitals to Suleja General Hospital to support the treatment of injured victims.
The tanker explosion at Dikko Junction underscores the persistent dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigeria’s roads. Many residents are demanding stricter enforcement of safety measures to avert future tragedies.
This incident follows a similar disaster in October 2024, where over 170 people died in Jigawa State.
Alarmingly, FRSC data from 2020 revealed that 1,531 fuel tanker accidents occurred that year, claiming more than 535 lives.
Authorities are now probing the cause of the Dikko Junction explosion, with initial investigations pointing to possible mechanical failure or human error.
For now, the site stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
The resilience of the grieving community is evident as they come together to support one another in this challenging time.