A devastating tanker explosion in Niger State on Tuesday claimed at least 30 lives and injured approximately 40 people.
The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. along the Bida–Agaie road in Essan and Badeggi communities, Katcha Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that victims were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker when it suddenly exploded, triggering a massive fire that engulfed many, leaving some burnt beyond recognition. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Comrade Farouk Kawo, Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers Association and National Ex-Officio of NUPENG, confirmed the tragedy, calling it “devastating and avoidable.” The tanker, transporting petroleum from Lagos to northern Nigeria, crashed due to the poor condition of the Bida–Agaie road, which Kawo noted had seen over 30 tanker accidents in October alone. He criticized the recurring practice of youths rushing to siphon fuel from crash sites despite warnings, citing a similar incident involving a groundnut oil tanker the previous Sunday.
Kawo urged Governor Umaru Bago to urgently repair the road to prevent further tragedies. Efforts to reach the Niger State Emergency Management Agency’s Director-General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, for comment were unsuccessful. Tanker accidents are frequent in Nigeria, often due to speeding and disregard for traffic laws, with residents risking their lives to collect fuel. In January, a similar incident in Niger State killed 98 people, prompting President Bola Tinubu to launch a national campaign highlighting the dangers of such actions.
