The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed a rescue team following the explosion of a tanker at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State.
The incident occurred in the morning hours of Saturday along Dikko-Maje Road, opposite Baddegi Station.
According to reports, the explosion occurred after the crashing of a tanker loaded with PMS, and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another. In the process, the spilt PMS came into contact with the generator being used to power the transfer, triggering the inferno that claimed over 70 lives, injured more than 56 persons, and destroyed shops and property.
While most of the deaths were burnt beyond recognition, the injured persons have been evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Most of the victims were members of the community and passersby.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families. She condemned the act of poor handling of spill tankers, stressing the recurrent tragedies associated with such risky behaviour.
The DG of NEMA expressed regret that, despite the agency’s extensive public sensitisation campaigns with other stakeholders on the dangers of this practice, many individuals continue to ignore the warnings.
Under her directive, NEMA’s emergency team, led by the Head of NEMA Minna Operation Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, is collaborating with first responders to manage the aftermath, including evacuating victims and providing necessary assistance to the affected community. She also reiterated the agency’s commitment to public safety and the prevention of similar incidents through continued awareness and rapid response.
This incident serves as another grim reminder of the need for strict adherence to safety measures during such emergencies.
