The death toll from the early Sunday morning fuel tanker explosion in Niger State has risen to 59 as search and rescue operation by Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, and other agencies continue on day 2 of the incident.
The incident which occurred at about 12:30 am on Sunday involved 4 vehicles: a tanker, a truck coming from Wudil in Kano State, a forklift truck, and a pickup van conveying goods to Agaie market.
A statement by NSEMA spokesman, Hussaini Ibrahim, said a total of 59 bodies burnt beyond recognition have so far been recovered and given mass burial at the scene of the incident.
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According to the statement, one of the injured with first degree burns died at Federal Medical Center Bida, two locals were taken to a village nearby for burial, and the rest were discoveries during evacuation.
The statement went on to say that more dead bodies could be found in the continued evacuation.
Over 50 cattle were burnt in the explosion.
Tinubu sends condolences to Niger State Government and victims’ families
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to the Niger State Government and the families affected by the fuel tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road in Niger State.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, Tinubu committed to ongoing support for efforts to assist those impacted by the incident.
The statement read in part, “President Bola Tinubu has sent heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State on the petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road on Sunday in Niger State, which claimed the lives of 48 people and livestock.
“According to the Niger Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), many people were injured in the accident, which also involved a truck loaded with cattle and passengers.
“President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the dead and injured victims. He also sympathised with the owners of shops affected by the tragedy. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Tinubu praised both federal and state emergency agencies for their prompt response.
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The statement continued, “He similarly commended the good-spirited Nigerians who mobilised to the incident scene to assist the victims.
“He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.
“President Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to redouble their efforts and work with state governments to enhance the safety and security of travellers and residents.”
Niger, Oyo tanker explosions painful, disheartening — Obi
Similarly, a former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has described the loss of lives and livelihood in the Niger and Oyo states tanker explosion as painful.
Obi, who is the Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 presidential election, said the Niger explosion coming barely 24 hours after that of Oyo was disheartening.
In a post on his X account on Sunday, the former governor commiserated with the people and governments of both states and commended safety and emergency agencies who worked to contain the fire.
He said, “I have just read the disheartening reports of the deadly tanker explosion which occurred today at Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State where no fewer than 30 human lives were lost and about 50 cattle burnt.
“This unfortunate incident occurred less than 24 hours after a similar tanker explosion caused serious damages in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Saturday. I am pained by the loss of human lives, and other means of livelihood in the two tragic events.
“I thank the safety and emergency agencies that arrived at the scene for search and rescue operations. I sincerely condole with all the affected families who lost their loved ones to this tragedy. I equally commiserate with the government and people of Niger and Oyo States over this tragic occurrence. May God comfort them, and all of us, who share in the pains of these sad incidents in our nation.
“I pray God Almighty to forgive the sins of the dead and grant them eternal rest, and grant quick and full recovery to the injured.”
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