Many individuals, together with ladies and youngsters, misplaced their lives in a devastating tanker explosion at Dikko within the Gurara Native Authorities Space of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred round 9 am on Saturday, January 18, when a petrol-laden tanker fell, spilling gasoline onto the bottom.
A resident of Dikko, recognized solely as Mr. John, who spoke to Every day Belief, estimated the variety of fatalities at over 100, with many others struggling extreme accidents. In response to him, the explosion happened after a crowd, together with many bystanders, started scooping gasoline from the fallen tanker. “The lifeless our bodies I noticed have been greater than 100, together with youngsters and ladies. Some victims have been taken to Suleja Normal Hospital and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse city, however they have been rejected due to the severity of their burns,” he stated.
The explosion occurred reverse the Authorities Women’ Secondary College in Dikko, however didn’t detonate instantly. The tragedy unfolded as individuals gathered across the tanker to gather the leaking gasoline. One other resident, Abubakar Hussaini, acknowledged that the explosion affected many passers-by, together with guests heading to the Dikko weekly Saturday market, which was close by.
An official of the Federal Street Security Fee (FRSC) talked about that the precise variety of victims couldn’t be decided till the fireplace was totally extinguished.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, confirmed the incident in an announcement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim. The governor expressed his deep sorrow over the explosion, calling it “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unlucky.” He prolonged his condolences to the households of the victims and prayed for the repose of the departed souls whereas wishing the injured a speedy restoration.
Governor Bago additionally urged the individuals to prioritize security and act responsibly, directing all related Ministries, Departments, and Businesses (MDAs) to take mandatory actions. He additional referred to as on safety companies to make sure security within the space.
