The Governor Mohammed Umar Bago government of Niger State has conducted a mass burial for victims of the recent tanker explosion that claimed the lives of no fewer than 39 people and left 60 others injured in the Essan community, Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
Naijaonpoint reports that the tragedy, which occurred earlier in the week, threw the entire community into mourning, as residents recounted how a fuel tanker overturned and exploded while some people were attempting to scoop spilt fuel.
In a statement on Thursday, October 23, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government had donated medical supplies worth ₦10 million to hospitals treating the survivors.
He added that a government delegation led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr. Murtala Bagana, visited the explosion site to assess the situation and commiserate with the affected families.
“The state government explained that out of the about 50 injured persons, some are receiving medical attention for burns, while others are being treated for inhalation-related injuries at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, and General Hospitals in Bida and Agaie,” Ibrahim stated.
He added that those with severe burns and life-threatening injuries were referred to the National Hospital, Abuja, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, and FMC Jabi for advanced care.
“The state government has also provided drugs and medical supplies worth over ₦10 million to support hospitals treating the victims and presented cash donations to the affected families receiving care in the hospitals,” the statement read.
According to Ibrahim, the government organised a mass burial and prayer session in Katcha for the deceased victims, attended by government officials, community leaders, and religious clerics.
“A mass burial for the deceased victims was conducted in Katcha with a special prayer for the repose of their souls and quick recovery for the injured,” he said.
He added that normalcy had since returned to the affected community, with security agencies ensuring order and preventing further chaos.
Govt Warns Against Scooping Fuel from Fallen Tankers
The state government also warned residents against the dangerous act of scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a recurring but deadly practice.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents, but we must emphasise the need to desist from scooping the content of any fallen tanker,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that the explosion occurred after residents rushed to collect petrol from the fallen tanker, which later burst into flames, killing dozens instantly.
Call for Federal Road Rehabilitation
The state government used the occasion to appeal to the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the Jebba-Mokwa-Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata road, which links several parts of the state.
“The poor state of the Jebba–Mokwa–Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata road contributed to the tragic incident,” Ibrahim said.
“We urge the Federal Government to expedite action in fixing all federal roads in the state to prevent a recurrence.”
Naijaonpoint had earlier reported that the explosion occurred after a fuel-laden tanker fell in a lone accident along the highway.
Reports said residents and passers-by rushed to scoop the spilt fuel when the tanker suddenly caught fire, leading to multiple explosions that claimed dozens of lives.
Emergency officials and security agencies were later deployed to the scene to evacuate bodies and assist survivors.
The Niger State Government has since pledged to continue supporting the victims’ families and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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