A tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday morning has claimed several lives and injured many others. The explosion occurred around 10 a.m.
According to reports, the tragic incident happened when a crowd gathered to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker. The resulting blast led to a high casualty rate, though the exact number of fatalities is yet to be determined.
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Kumar Tsukwam, revealed to newsmen “Investigations are ongoing, and the total number of victims will be disclosed in due course.”
Reacting to the tragedy, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressed profound concern over the recurring cases of tanker explosions in the state.
He sympathised with the families of the victims of the explosion and prayed that Allah would repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.
The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what was necessary while urging the security agents to ensure security in the area.