A devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of at least 77 people. The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left the community in mourning and raised fresh concerns about road safety measures.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll, stating that 25 injured victims were rushed to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and nearby areas for urgent medical attention.
Following the explosion, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago visited the scene and directed that vehicles from the Maje axis should no longer pass through the Dikko Bridge. He criticized reckless driving and urged authorities to enforce stricter traffic regulations. The governor also called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, noting that its delay has contributed to frequent road accidents in the region.
Additionally, Governor Bago announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be deployed to assist in treating the injured at Suleja General Hospital. He commended emergency responders, including NSEMA and the fire service, for their swift action in evacuating victims.
Residents have expressed concerns over the dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigerian roads. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, exploring the possibilities of mechanical failure or human error.
This incident follows a similar disaster in October 2024, when over 170 people lost their lives in a tanker explosion in Jigawa State. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded 1,531 fuel tanker accidents in 2020, resulting in over 535 deaths.
As investigations continue, Dikko Junction remains a somber site, marked by the loss of innocent lives and a community striving to recover from yet another preventable tragedy.
