Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that claimed at least 35 lives and left 17 others hospitalised along the Bida–Agaie Highway on Tuesday.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as “worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic,” and offered prayers for the victims.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the accident occurred at about 2:40 p.m. when a petrol-laden tanker fell on its side near Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area. The tanker, which was conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), burst into flames after residents rushed to the scene to scoop the spilled fuel.
“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS. In the process, the tanker was suddenly engulfed in an inferno,” said the state police spokesman, DSP Wasiu Abiodun.
He confirmed that out of the 48 victims, 31 died instantly, while others sustained severe burns. The death toll later rose to 35, with several more in critical condition across nearby hospitals. Three motorcycles were also destroyed in the fire.
Abiodun added that police and other security operatives carried out rescue operations and that investigations were ongoing to identify the driver and owner of the tanker.
Governor Bago, reacting to the tragedy, condemned the recurring practice of petrol scooping, calling it “a needless risk that has claimed too many innocent lives.”
“It is disheartening that people continue to approach fallen tankers to scoop fuel despite repeated warnings and sensitisation. We must learn to value our lives no matter the situation,” the governor said.
He prayed for the souls of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The incident adds to the growing list of tanker explosions across Nigeria. Earlier in January, over 70 people were burnt to death in a similar incident in Niger State, while a nationwide tally shows over 400 deaths linked to tanker-related fires in the past year alone.
