NIGER GOVT HOLDS MASS BURIAL FOR TANKER EXPLOSION VICTIMS, APPROVES FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR SURVIVORS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Niger State Government has conducted a mass burial for victims of the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Essa village, Katcha Local Government Area, and approved comprehensive free medical treatment for survivors.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, following the visit of a state government delegation led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, to the explosion site and hospitals where victims are being treated.
According to the statement, special prayers were held during the mass burial for the repose of the victims’ souls and for the quick recovery of those injured.
“A mass burial for the deceased victims was conducted in Katcha with special prayers for the repose of their souls and quick recovery for the injured. The state government confirms that normalcy has returned to the affected community and reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents,” the statement read.
The government said about 50 people sustained injuries, ranging from burns to inhalation-related complications. Victims are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida, General Hospitals in Bida and Agaie, and for severe cases, at the National Hospital Abuja, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, and FMC Jabi.
It added that drugs and medical supplies worth over ₦10 million had been distributed to hospitals treating victims, alongside cash donations to affected families.
“The Niger State Government has approved comprehensive free medical care for all surviving victims. Drugs and medical supplies worth over ₦10 million have been provided to support hospitals, and cash donations were made to affected families,” the statement added.
The state government also commended the FMC Bida management, the State Ministry of Health, Emergency Response Teams, and the Katcha Local Government Authority for their swift response and coordination during rescue operations.
Additionally, it cautioned residents against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, warning that such acts are life-threatening, while urging the Federal Government to fix deteriorating roads in the state, particularly the Jebba–Mokwa–Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata road, which it said contributed to the accident.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed that the death toll has risen to 42, with 52 people injured.
He explained that the explosion occurred when villagers attempted to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker, which overturned due to the poor condition of the road.
Earlier, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 39 people died and over 60 sustained severe burns, noting that the victims included men, women, and children.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed sadness over the tragedy, lamenting that despite sustained awareness campaigns, some citizens still risk their lives to scoop fuel from fallen tankers.
“The incident is saddening because, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel, some citizens still take such life-threatening risks,” the minister said.
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