Tanker Explosion Kills 48 Persons, 50 Cows In Niger

Niger State governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed sadness over the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in the Agaie local government area of the state, resulting in the loss of 48 Lives and property.

The governor in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said the unfortunate incident and the colossal loss of lives pained him.

While commiserating with all those who suffered losses in the incident, the governor said the State Government through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other relevant organisations have been mobilised to the scene of accident for rescue operation and other necessary actions.

He called for calm by the residents of the affected area and enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
The governor prayed that Allah would repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured.

A tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Lagos to Abuja axis had exploded in Agaie area of Niger State killing no fewer than 48 people.

It was gathered that the tanker exploded at about 1 a.m. yesterday, and in the process, a trailer coming from Wudil, Kano State ran into the explosion and was also inflamed.
It was learnt that the trailer had at least 50 occupants and 60 cattle heading towards Lagos State when the incident occurred in front of Dendo College, along Lapai-Agaie -Bida road.

While eyewitness accounts said 48 people might have lost their lives, the Sector Commander Niger State command of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Kumer Tsukwam, confirmed that 48 people were killed.

He said nine other people sustained various degrees of injuries and were taken to a hospital in Lapai , adding that 50 cattle were also burnt in the explosion.

The Sector Commander said a mass burial was conducted for the victims in line with Islamic injunction as most of the victims were said to be Muslims.

Similarly the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA)’s Director General Mallam Baba Arah has confirmed the incident.

He said, “NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred Sunday, about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA. The incident occurred when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State heading to Lagos.