The State Emergency Management Agency announced that eighty-six victims of the fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Niger State, had been buriedThe explosion, which occurred after a fuel tanker crash, claimed many lives as residents attempted to scoop fuel from the spillThe Director-General of SEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, stated that the mass burial was conducted in collaboration with Gurara LGA and local volunteers
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed yesterday that eighty-six victims of Saturday’s fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, had been buried.
The Director-General of SEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, stated that the mass burial, conducted in collaboration with Gurara LGA and local volunteers, took place between 5 p.m. and midnight at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.
State Buries Eighty-Six Victims of Fuel Tanker Explosion, Man Who Lost Six Relatives Identified
Source: Getty Images
Details of the Incident
The explosion occurred after a fuel tanker crashed at Dikko Junction, a major route between Niger and Kaduna states.
As residents attempted to scoop fuel from the spill, a massive blaze erupted, claiming the lives of many, including those trying to assist the victims.
Read also
10 suspected members of Boko Haram arrested in southwestern state, names and location released
Travellers, passersby, and numerous businesses in the area were also caught up in the inferno.
Eyewitness Accounts and Casualties
Narrating the incident to Daily Trust, a resident named Yerima said:
“Security operatives tried their best to stop people from scooping the fuel, but they didn’t listen. One of the boys even brought out a knife to stab a police officer who wanted to stop him from scooping fuel.”
The dilapidated condition of the roads around Dikko, particularly the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, has exacerbated the risk of accidents, as many drivers avoid the more insecure Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route.
Survivor Tales and Hospitalisation
During a visit to Suleja General Hospital, correspondents found 43 victims in critical condition, with four confirmed dead.
Relatives were seen frantically searching for their loved ones, and some of the injured were referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Sabon Wuse General Hospital.
Dr Adedokun Adebayo Adekunle, Medical Director of Suleja General Hospital, said:
Read also
Gunmen attack hospital, shoot medical doctor, abduct 5 others, location announced
“As of yesterday (Saturday), around 3-4 pm, we had 44 of the victims brought to our hospital. Fortunately, we called for additional help, summoning doctors who were not on duty.”
Among those hospitalised were four tanker drivers who sustained 100 per cent burns while assisting a colleague with fuel transfer. Tragically, two motor boys and a tanker mechanic also lost their lives during the incident.
Harrowing Losses
Residents recounted their losses, with Bashir Usman, a resident of Dikko, stating that he lost his three brothers and three shops with goods worth millions of naira.
Another trader, Abubakar Jibril, reported losing seven shops, including goods worth N20 million.
Adamu Ahmed, another resident, mourned the loss of six relatives and friends to the inferno. Additionally, Yusuf Maidawa and his younger brother, who had just disembarked from a vehicle at Dikko Junction, fell victim to the explosion while attempting to buy drinks.
Read also
Tears, tension as gunmen kill final-year student in Akwa Ibom, “the victim was very popular”
Fuel Tanker Explosion Kills 70
Henzodaily.ng reported that at least 70 people were killed and dozens of others wounded after an overturned fuel tanker exploded in northcentral Nigeria.
The crash took place on an expressway in Niger state. People then rushed to the vehicle to collect the fuel, Reuters reported on Sunday, January 19.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Henzodaily.ng