The death toll from the tragic fuel tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, near Suleja in Niger State, has risen to 86, with 55 individuals injured and currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, initially reported 70 fatalities and 50 injuries, but subsequent recovery efforts uncovered additional victims, who were given a mass burial.

The explosion happened when a speeding fuel tanker crashed and spilled petrol on the tarred road. Residents gathered to scoop the spilled fuel, but the tanker exploded, killing those attempting to collect the fuel and others trying to rescue them.

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed in a statement that the mass burial, conducted in collaboration with the Gurara Local Government Area and local volunteers, took place between 5 PM and midnight. “A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with 80 buried in mass graves at the Dikko Primary Health Centre premises. Five others were claimed by relatives, and one succumbed to injuries at the health centre,” he said.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who visited the explosion site, announced new measures to prevent similar incidents. He banned vehicles from the Maje axis from using the Dikko bridge and directed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to station a detachment in the area for enforcement.

Reacting to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sorrow in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The President extended condolences to the affected families and the government of Niger State. He directed agencies to ensure the injured received comprehensive medical care and mandated the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide campaign highlighting the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

The Federal Government also ordered the transfer of critically injured victims from Suleja General Hospital to specialized tertiary health facilities to improve care. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda visited the site to oversee ongoing relief efforts.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari expressed condolences, criticizing the recurring practice of fuel scooping despite numerous warnings. Vice President Kashim Shettima echoed these sentiments, assuring families of the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the incident as shocking and called for a thorough investigation. The Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, lamented the far-reaching consequences of such accidents and extended heartfelt condolences. The Southern Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, also expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident a “soul-crushing tragedy.”

National APC Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje described the event as heartbreaking and urged immediate action to prevent future occurrences. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasized the need for stricter safety standards in fuel transportation.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, through the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to prevent tanker explosions and improve national safety protocols.

This tragedy has reignited calls for enhanced road safety measures, stricter regulation of fuel transportation, and public education on the dangers of fuel scooping. The nation mourns the loss of lives and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured.