The death toll from the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, has climbed to 86, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
In a statement issued by NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, it was disclosed that the remains of the victims were recovered and buried in a coordinated effort involving NSEMA, Gurara LGA authorities, and volunteers.
Of the deceased, 80 were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises. The burial, described as both somber and challenging, took place between 5 p.m. and midnight, with volunteers working tirelessly to ensure the victims were properly laid to rest.
The number of injured individuals has risen to 55, with one additional fatality reported at the healthcare facility in Dikko. NSEMA, in collaboration with relevant agencies, continues to assist with the injured and support for the affected families.
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Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, who visited the site of the explosion, described the incident as “pathetic” and expressed gratitude that the tragedy did not spread to neighboring communities.
Governor Bago directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis should no longer pass through the Dikko Bridge. He instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander to establish a detachment in the area to enforce this directive and called on transport unions to cooperate.
“Drivers must use the designated underpass and take appropriate U-turns to avoid further tragedies,” the Governor said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road project, citing delays as a contributing factor to repeated accidents and loss of lives in the area.
NSEMA and other authorities are working to manage the aftermath of the disaster, offering both medical support and counseling to those affected. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety measures are reinforced to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This tanker explosion has left a profound impact on the community, with calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and expedited infrastructure development to mitigate such disasters.
