The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed a rescue team to Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State after a deadly tanker explosion. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, claimed at least 70 lives and injured 56 people. The explosion happened when a tanker carrying PMS crashed, and an attempt to transfer its contents to another tanker led to a fire after the fuel contacted a generator being used for the transfer. The blaze destroyed nearby shops and property.
Many of the victims were community members and passers-by. Those injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
NEMA's Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families. She condemned the unsafe handling of spilled fuel and urged stricter adherence to safety measures. NEMA is working with first responders to manage the situation and assist the affected community.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, also expressed grief over the tragedy. The NGF called for stricter safety enforcement in handling combustible materials and praised the emergency services for their swift response.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended condolences to the victims' families and urged citizens to prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies.