The Niger State Government has expressed condolences to victims and families affected by Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area, which claimed at least 42 lives and left more than 60 others injured.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, the government described the incident as a “painful loss” and reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Essa and surrounding communities.
Acting on the directive of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, a delegation led by Bagana visited the explosion site and hospitals where survivors are receiving treatment. He announced that the governor had approved comprehensive and free medical care for all victims.
Bagana confirmed that severely injured patients are being transferred to the National Hospital in Gwagwalada for advanced treatment, while others are receiving care at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida and Agaie General Hospital.
He also cautioned residents against the dangerous act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, stressing that such behaviour has repeatedly led to loss of lives across the country.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn with the people of Essa and the surrounding communities. We appeal to residents to avoid the dangerous act of scooping fuel from accident scenes,” Bagana said.
The state government reiterated its commitment to enhancing road safety, emergency response, and infrastructure rehabilitation to prevent future tragedies.
The explosion occurred when a tanker overturned on the deteriorated Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road and burst into flames as residents attempted to scoop fuel.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the victims included nine men, 24 women, and nine children, while several others sustained severe burns.
Emergency responders, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, and local volunteers, were deployed for rescue operations, as some residents remain unaccounted for.
Community leaders blamed the poor condition of the road for the tragedy and urged both federal and state governments to urgently rehabilitate it to avert further disasters.
