The death toll from the devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction near Suleja, Niger State, has risen to 86, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
The tragedy, which occurred on January 18, 2025, has left the community in mourning and raised significant concerns about safety enforcement and disaster preparedness.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of NSEMA, confirmed that 80 victims were buried in a mass grave, organized in collaboration with the Gurara Local Government Council and community volunteers. Five other victims were claimed by their families for private burials, while one casualty succumbed to injuries at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.
Eyewitness Accounts and Negligence
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred when a tanker loaded with petrol overturned and an attempt was made to transfer its contents. Residents, some attempting to scoop fuel from the leaking tanker, reported that a generator used to facilitate the transfer ignited the explosion. This incident has highlighted the dangerous and often illegal practices associated with fuel transportation.
Members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) noted that the tanker was reportedly operating with faulty brakes and other mechanical issues, underscoring widespread lapses in enforcing safety standards for fuel transport.
Delayed Emergency Response Raises Questions
Survivors criticized the delayed response of emergency services, with firefighters reportedly arriving nearly an hour after the explosion.
The blaze had already spread to nearby shops and vehicles, exacerbating the damage.
Medical facilities in the area, including Suleja General Hospital, struggled to manage the influx of victims, with many injured being transferred to distant hospitals due to a lack of resources and capacity.
