Niger Tanker Explosion Death Toll Climbs to 86, Victims Laid to Rest in Mass Grave

The death toll from the devastating tanker explosion in Niger has risen to 86, with victims buried in a mass grave amid national mourning.

After the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported that 86 people have died as a result of the incident.

In a press statement, NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah announced that the remains of the deceased were recovered and buried through a coordinated effort involving NSEMA, Gurara LGA authorities, and volunteers.

Eighty of the deceased were interred in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises. Five others were returned to their families for burial within the town, and one person succumbed to injuries at the same PHC facility.

The mass burial, a solemn and demanding undertaking, occurred between 5 p.m. and midnight. It engaged courageous and compassionate volunteers who labored tirelessly to ensure the victims were handled with care.

The count of injured individuals has increased to 55, and one fatality was reported at the healthcare facility in Dikko.

In cooperation with relevant agencies, NSEMA persists in handling the aftermath of the disaster and offers assistance to those injured as well as affected families.

This incident starkly highlights the devastating effects of such explosions, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures and greater public awareness to prevent future incidents.

We will share more updates as investigations progress and recovery efforts proceed.

After the incident, the Niger State Government instructed that vehicles approaching from the Maje axis are prohibited from passing over the Dikko Bridge.

Governor Umaru Bago issued the directive during his visit to the explosion site near Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

The Governor criticized the recklessness of some drivers and advised them to go under the bridge and make a proper U-turn.

He urged the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to set up a unit in the area for enforcing the directive, and also encouraged relevant transport unions to collaborate with them.

Governor Bago described the tanker explosion as tragic, expressing gratitude that the incident did not affect the neighboring communities.

He urged the Federal Government to speed up efforts to finish the Minna-Suleja Road, noting that delays in this project are leading to ongoing loss of life.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the fire service, and other organizations that participated in evacuating the victims.

He announced that doctors from hospitals in Minna will be reassigned to help treat the injured victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital.