NIGERIA: Over 50 people Confirmed Dead In Niger Tanker Explosion – NSEMA

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), has confirmed the death of no fewer than 50 people in a devastating tanker explosion, that happened along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Dikko, Niger State, on Saturday.

NSEMA stated that the fatal incident occurred when a tanker filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded.

The organisation stated that the tanker exploded while it was attempting to transfer fuel to another tanker, and then the PMS reportedly came into contact with a generator used to power the transfer process.

This triggered a massive explosion that resulted in catastrophic damage

NSEMA Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident, stating: “The explosion was caused by the fuel spilling and igniting when it came into contact with the generator.

“Over 50 people have been confirmed dead, many others injured, and properties valued in the millions have been destroyed.”

Arah explained that rescue efforts were immediately mobilised in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Suleja Local Government Emergency Committee, and local volunteers.

He also stated that search, rescue, and recovery operations are ongoing, with the injured being transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

The remains of the deceased are being recovered from the scene.