The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 45 people have died and 63 others sustained injuries following a petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, located along the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the Head of Operations at NEMA Minna Office, Hussaini Isah, who oversees Niger and Kwara States, the tragic incident occurred due to a bad section of the road that caused the tanker to fall and explode. Essa community was identified as the most affected area.
> “The fatalities now stand at 45 — comprising 12 males, 27 females, and 6 children. A total of 63 persons were injured, including 24 males, 32 females, and 7 children,” Isah confirmed in a statement obtained by Mediaplusng.com.
Most of the victims were reportedly scooping fuel from the fallen tanker before the explosion. Several of them initially received treatment at Essa Primary Health Centre and Idris Private Hospital, before being transferred to Umaru Sanda General Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, both in Bida.
Fourteen critically injured patients have also been referred to the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja for further treatment.
NEMA said that rescue efforts were supported by other emergency stakeholders, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), NSEMA, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), local vigilantes, and community volunteers.
Isah explained that the Niger State Government has provided medical supplies to the affected hospitals. Some victims have been discharged after receiving treatment, while 12 others who were treated at home have returned to hospitals for better care.
He, however, noted that traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and weak network connectivity slowed down the rescue and coordination process.
Teams from NEMA and NSEMA have since visited the affected hospitals to confirm the number of patients and assess their recovery progress. The agency assured that relief materials and food items will soon be provided to support the victims and their families.
This tragic incident serves as another reminder of the dangers of fuel scooping and the urgent need for improved road safety and emergency response across Nigeria.
