Seventy-seven lives were lost in a devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left the community in mourning and sparked concerns about safety measures on the region’s roads.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the death toll and reported that 25 injured victims were rushed to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and other nearby facilities for urgent care.
In response, Governor Umaru Bago visited the site and announced restrictions on vehicles from the Maje axis using the Dikko Bridge, instead directing them to pass underneath and take a U-turn. He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the new measures, urging transport unions to cooperate.
Describing the incident as “pathetic,” the governor thanked God the explosion did not spread to nearby communities. He emphasised the urgent need for the Federal Government to complete the Minna-Suleja Road, citing delays as a contributing factor to repeated tragedies.
Governor Bago expressed gratitude to NSEMA, the fire service, and other agencies for their prompt response. He also announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured at Suleja General Hospital.
The explosion at Dikko Junction underscores the dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigeria’s roads, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent future disasters.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, with authorities examining possible mechanical failures or driver error.
This tragedy follows similar incidents, including one in October that claimed over 170 lives in Jigawa State. According to the FRSC, 1,531 tanker accidents occurred in 2020, resulting in over 535 deaths.
Dikko Junction remains a sombre reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety and vigilance to safeguard lives.
