The death toll from the tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Minna Road, in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 96, sparking widespread grief and calls for action from prominent figures and organizations across Nigeria.
The explosion, which occurred on January 18, 2025, also left 69 people injured and destroyed 20 shops. The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the updated toll, describing the incident as one of the deadliest in recent memory.
Northern Senators Call for Action
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF), led by Chairman Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, the senators criticized the lack of enforcement of safety standards for tankers and heavy-duty vehicles, urging the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to take proactive measures.
“This devastating incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and enforcement of safety regulations on our roads. The forum offers its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and calls for immediate action to prevent future occurrences,” the statement read.
Peter Obi’s Condolences and Call for Safety Measures
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also expressed grief over the incident, describing it as “heartbreaking.” In a post on his X handle, Obi emphasized the urgency of implementing stricter safety measures to prevent tanker explosions and similar disasters.
“These accidents have become increasingly recurrent and highlight the urgent need for stricter safety regulations. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State,” he wrote.
Kano Governor and Agric Minister Respond
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf extended his condolences to the families and people of Niger State, calling the tragedy a “grim reminder of the fragility of human life.”
Similarly, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security expressed sadness over the incident, urging stakeholders to undertake advocacy campaigns to address the dangers of fuel tanker crashes. He commended emergency responders for their efforts in managing the aftermath of the explosion.
A Wake-Up Call
As Nigerians mourn the victims, the incident has reignited debates over the safety of transporting petroleum products on the country’s roads. Many stakeholders are urging a collective approach to improve road safety standards and prevent future tragedies.