Minna, Niger State – A tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State claimed the lives of 77 individuals, leaving the community in mourning and raising concerns about road safety measures in the region.
Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the heartbreaking death toll and reported that 25 injured victims were swiftly transported to hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and other nearby facilities for urgent medical attention.
In response to the devastating incident, Governor Umaru Bago visited the site and implemented restrictions on vehicles from the Maje axis using the Dikko Bridge. Instead, he directed them to pass underneath and make a U-turn, urging the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the new measures and calling on transport unions to cooperate.
Expressing his gratitude that the explosion did not extend to nearby communities, Governor Bago emphasized the pressing need for the Federal Government to complete the Minna-Suleja Road, citing delays as a contributing factor to repeated tragedies. He thanked NSEMA, the fire service, and other agencies for their prompt response and announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured at Suleja General Hospital.
The tragic incident at Dikko Junction underscores the hazards posed by fuel tankers on Nigerian roads, prompting demands for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent future disasters. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway, focusing on potential mechanical failures or driver error.
This devastating event follows a series of similar incidents, including one in October that resulted in over 170 fatalities in Jigawa State. According to the FRSC, 1,531 tanker accidents occurred in 2020, leading to more than 535 deaths. Dikko Junction serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for enhanced road safety measures and vigilance to protect lives.