The Federal Government on Sunday disclosed that no fewer than 265 people have lost their lives in petrol tanker explosions across Nigeria between September 2024 and January 2025.
A federal delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Nentawe Yilwatda, visited Suleja General Hospital in Niger State yesterday to assess the condition of victims injured in the most recent tanker explosion.
During the visit, one of the critically injured victims succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll from the incident to eight.
The federal government has vowed to tackle the recurring tanker explosions, which have claimed over 265 lives within four months.
Tinubu Mourns Niger Tanker Explosion Victims, Orders Enhanced Safety Measures
Earlier, at the palace of the Emir of Zazzau Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, the Minister expressed sadness over the frequent tragedies and reaffirmed the government’s determination to find lasting solutions.
Idris revealed that a high-powered committee comprising key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, and other relevant bodies, has been set up to investigate the causes of these incidents and propose measures to prevent a recurrence.
“These incidents are extremely troubling,” Idris said. “In just four months, from September 2024 to January 2025, we have witnessed four major tanker explosions: one between Ibadan and Ife, where houses and vehicles were destroyed; another in Agaie, Niger State, on September 8, 2024, claiming 48 lives; a tragedy in Jigawa State on October 15, 2024, resulting in 144 fatalities; and now, just yesterday, at Dikko Junction within this emirate, nearly 80 people have lost their lives. Collectively, over 265 lives have been lost. This is unacceptable.”
The Minister highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify awareness campaigns to discourage the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
“It is wrong for people to rush to accident scenes to scoop petrol. This reckless behaviour has cost hundreds of lives, and the government will no longer tolerate it,” Idris said.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the government in educating citizens about the dangers of such actions.
“We call on traditional institutions and royal fathers to enlighten the public. Public enlightenment campaigns, in collaboration with traditional rulers and opinion leaders, will play a critical role in preventing these tragedies,” he added.
The Minister announced plans for the federal delegation to provide immediate support to injured victims and commended the Niger State Government, led by Governor Umar Bago, for its proactive response.
He also emphasised the importance of public education in preventing future occurrences.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, called for the government to prioritise public enlightenment campaigns.
“While technology is helpful, I suggest returning to traditional methods of gathering people in public places, such as emir palaces, to educate them on issues like this,” the Emir said.
He urged citizens to avoid scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as “a sign of greediness” and cautioning against unnecessary risks that could lead to loss of lives.
Eyewitness accounts from the recent explosion at Dikko Junction revealed a tragic incident. A vigilante reportedly tried to stop a boy from scooping fuel, leading to a heated argument. The boy threatened to ignite a lighter and, tragically, carried out the threat. Both the vigilante and the boy were engulfed in flames and died instantly.
Prayers were offered for the souls of the departed and the recovery of the injured , as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the root causes of tanker explosions and ensuring such tragedies, do not recur.
