At least 39 people have been killed in an oil tanker explosion in Nigeria’s central Niger state after the vehicle skidded off the road and crashed, spilling fuel.
It was gathered the incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaie road in Katcha local government area.
Eyewitness revealed the victims were trapped as they rushed to collect fuel leaking from the crashed tanker.
“While they were scooping the product, the tanker suddenly exploded, burning many beyond recognition. The injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers Association and NUPENG National Ex-Officio, Comrade Farouk Mohammed Kawo, said the tanker was en route from Lagos to northern Nigeria when the accident occurred.
“Within this month alone, over 30 tanker trailers have been involved in accidents in that particular area due to the deplorable condition of the road,” Kawo said.
“We have always warned people, especially the youth, about the dangers of scooping fuel during such incidents, but they won’t listen. Just last Sunday, a tanker carrying groundnut oil also crashed there, and residents rushed to collect the contents.”
He appealed to the Federal Government to urgently fix the Bida–Agaie–Lapai Road, describing it as a death trap responsible for frequent tanker accidents and loss of lives.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago sent his condolences to the people, describing the incident as “worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic”.
“It is disheartening that people still approach fallen tankers to scoop fuel despite repeated warnings and sensitization. People must learn to value their lives above material gain,” the governor said.
He commended the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for its swift response and assured that the state government would provide necessary support to victims and their families.