Victims and residents of Dikko, in Niger State, which experienced the unfortunate incident of a fuel tanker explosion on January 19, 2025, have lamented the continued hardship in the aftermath of the incident that claimed many lives and properties.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident resulted in the instant death of many, while about 69 people were injured and 20 shops burnt.
The eyewitnesses, mostly the victims of the accident and traders around the area, while sharing their stories with our correspondent, said they lost everything and currently struggling to eat or make ends meet.
Mallam Abubakar who formerly earned between N50,000 to N70,000 daily, from both animal feeds and kitchen utensils that he sold, told LEADERSHIP that he now has nothing to sell.
He further lamented that he lost three friends and five shops. “I am still in shock,” he said, struggling to hold back tears. “I have lost everything I worked for.”
On her part, Hajiya Aisha who previously made between N20,000 to N30,000 daily selling foodstuffs, now struggles to make ends meet as she suffered severe burns and lost her only source of income. “I was selling foodstuffs when the fire broke out,” she recounted.
Alhaji Musa Bello, a wholesaler of manure and plant fertiliser, formerly earned between N30,000 and N50,000 a day but now faces financial difficulties as he has lost his entire stock of goods.
“I have been a trader for over 20 years. This incident has set me back significantly,” Bello lamented.
Also, Mrs. Fatima Maikudi, who previously earned between N15,000 and N25,000 daily as a restaurant owner, now worries about providing for her family, which sustained injuries while trying to escape the fire. “I am still receiving treatment,” she said.
For Abdullahi Umar, who formerly made between N25,000 to N40,000 daily selling clothes and textiles, he now struggles to find alternative means of income as he lost his shop. “I am now looking for ways to restart my business,” he said.
The traders however, attributed the cause of the accident to bad road conditions and lack of orientation among residents.
They emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and regular safety training to prevent such tragedies in the future.
