Gas Explosion Rocks Niger State, Destroys Buildings and Vehicles
Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State caused extensive damage to buildings, vehicles, and food storage facilities.
The explosion, which occurred around 11:00 p.m., could have resulted in mass casualties if not for the late-night timing. Residents, startled by the loud blast, fled their homes as thick smoke engulfed the area, spreading panic throughout the town.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed that the explosion was caused by the transloading of gas from a trailer tanker to a surface tank.
“At about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Tasiu Gas Plant, located beside Kalasma Filling Station along the Kaduna Expressway, exploded and caught fire,” he explained.
The fire completely destroyed the gas plant, the trailer, and a vehicle belonging to one Abubakar Yakubu, which was parked nearby.
The Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, located behind the gas plant, also suffered significant losses.
“Approximately 550 bags of beans and six bags of soya beans were burnt in the inferno,” Baba Arah revealed.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, and the fire was successfully brought under control. Normalcy has since returned to the area.
A Rising Trend of Gas-Related Explosions
This explosion marks the fourth similar incident in Niger State within three weeks, raising concerns over safety regulations and hazardous material handling.
Recent Gas-Related Explosions in Niger State:
- Dikko (Gurara LGA): Over 100 people killed, properties worth millions destroyed.
- Lapai-Agaie Road (near Bida): A late-night explosion injured a tanker driver and motor boy; security forces secured the area.
- Sabon Pegi (Mashegu LGA): Mining explosives detonated in a shop, damaging houses and businesses.
The recurring accidents have raised serious safety concerns, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enforcement of safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
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