The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed 86 as the number of persons who lost their lives in the Saturday petrol tanker explosion at Dikko junction, Gurara Local Government Area.
The NSEMA Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said the remains of the deceased were recovered and buried in a coordinated effort by NSEMA, Gurara LGA authorities, and volunteers.
Eighty of the deceased were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises. Five others were handed over to their families for burial within the town, and one individual succumbed to injuries at the Dikko PHC.
The mass burial, a somber and challenging task, took place between 5 p.m. and midnight, involving brave and compassionate volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the proper handling of the victims.
The number of injured persons has risen to 55, with one fatality recorded at the healthcare facility in Dikko.
NSEMA, in collaboration with relevant agencies, continues to manage the aftermath of the disaster while providing support to the injured and affected families.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such explosions, calling for increased safety measures and public awareness to prevent future occurrences.
Further updates will be provided as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
Following the incident, the Niger State Government directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass through the Dikko Bridge.
Governor Umaru Bago gave the directive when he visited the scene of the explosion around Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Governor, who decried the recklessness of some drivers, said they should follow under the bridge and take a U-turn appropriately.
He enjoined the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive while calling on relevant transport unions to cooperate with them.
Governor Bago described the tanker explosion as pathetic, thanking God that the tragic incident did not extend to the adjoining communities
He called on the Federal Government to expedite action to complete the Minna-Suleja Road as the delay in the project is contributing to the continuous loss of lives.
The governor thanked the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, fire service, and other agencies that have contributed to the evacuation of victims.
He said doctors from Minna hospitals will be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims receiving treatment in Suleja General Hospital.