Minna, Niger State — No fewer than 30 people have been burnt beyond recognition, and 40 others injured, after a petrol-laden tanker exploded in Niger State on Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred around 11 a.m. near Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area, when residents rushed to scoop fuel from an overturned tanker.
Eyewitnesses said that while villagers were collecting the leaking petrol, the tanker suddenly exploded, engulfing dozens of people in flames. The intensity of the fire made identification of the deceased nearly impossible.
One eyewitness told Vanguard, “The affected victims were trapped while scooping the petroleum product. The tanker exploded and burned many beyond recognition, while the injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida for treatment.”
Officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and local firefighters responded to the scene, but the fire had already caused extensive damage before it could be contained.
Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers Association and NUPENG National Ex-Officio, Farouk Kawo, confirmed the incident, describing it as one of the deadliest accidents witnessed in the area this year.
He said, “Reports sent to us indicated that the tanker was coming from Lagos and heading north before the sad incident occurred. Within this month alone, over 30 tanker trailers have been involved in accidents along that same stretch due to the terrible condition of the road.”
Kawo lamented that despite repeated public warnings, many residents—particularly youths—continue to endanger their lives by scooping fuel at accident scenes.
“We have always educated the people on the danger of scooping fuel, but they refuse to listen. Just last Sunday, a tanker carrying groundnut oil crashed there, and residents still rushed to collect the product,” he added.
The Niger State Police Command has yet to release an official casualty figure but confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities are also working to identify the victims and ensure proper medical attention for survivors.
Local leaders and emergency officials have called for immediate road rehabilitation along the Bida–Agaie axis, citing the growing number of tanker-related accidents in recent months.
The Niger State Government expressed condolences to the victims’ families, pledging to support those hospitalized and to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of fuel scooping.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the recurring tragedies associated with tanker accidents in Nigeria, where poverty, poor infrastructure, and desperation often combine to produce fatal outcomes.
