Barely two days after a tragic tanker explosion claimed 98 lives and injured 55 others in Niger State, another tanker incident occurred on Monday in Bida town.
Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil
A widely shared video shows residents, including young people, gathering around the fallen truck to scoop its contents, while others fled to avoid potential danger.
Yinusa Jiya, a resident, noted the lack of fear among the crowd despite the recent tragedy. Another eyewitness, Fatimah Mohammed, revealed that the tanker was carrying groundnut oil and had overturned near the AYM Shafa filling station.
“Residents stole huge amounts of groundnut oil dripping from the tanker,” she said.
The Earlier Tragedy
Saturday’s tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area, led to widespread destruction. Reports indicate the explosion occurred around 9:00 am as efforts were being made to transfer Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker to another vehicle.
The fire left 98 dead, with 55 injured. Most victims were burned while attempting to scoop fuel, with the flames spreading quickly across the area. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that 86 bodies were mass-buried on Sunday, while survivors are receiving treatment for severe burns.
Government Reaction
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the incidents and directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify campaigns against scooping fuel from fallen tankers. The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed concern over the high casualty rate and the extent of the injuries.
Authorities have attributed the disaster to negligence by residents who ignited the fire while attempting to scoop fuel.
https://web.facebook.com/1272432281/videos/1121177215938864/
A Troubling History
Niger State has a history of tanker-related tragedies. In September 2024, over 50 travelers perished in a midnight tanker explosion along the Agaie-Badeggi road.
The recent incidents have sparked renewed calls for public awareness and stricter safety measures to prevent further loss of lives in similar situations.
