By Cross Udo, Abuja
The death toll in Saturday’s Dikko-Maje road tanker explosion in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 86, with 80 of the victims buried in a mass grave.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this yesterday in Minna, the state capital.
He said five of the victims were carried away by their relatives for burial, while one died at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.
Baba-Arah said that NSEMA, in collaboration with the authorities of the Gurara LGA and volunteers, carried out the mass burial.
He confirmed that the number of injured persons was now 55.
Recall that the devastating explosion occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing about an immense human toll.
The incident happened when a tanker loaded with petrol fell, and an attempt was made to transfer its content.
Some residents had besieged the fallen tanker, scooping fuel.
An attempt to switch on a generator to ease the transfer of the petrol triggered an explosion, resulting in the deaths and destruction of properties.
*Tinubu warns Nigerians to avoid accident sites involving fuel-laden vehicles
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has strongly advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature
The President also expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people, with many also injured.
Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
He underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.
According to the statement, “The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
“President Tinubu strongly advises all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.
“Additionally, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.”
*Shettima expresses dismay over loss of lives
Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed dismay at the devastating tanker explosion that claimed several lives at Dikko Junction in Niger State.
The Vice President commiserated with the victims’ families and assured them of the federal government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.
In the statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Senator Shettima extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Niger State.
His message followed President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directive for immediate medical assistance to survivors and the implementation of stricter safety protocols along major highways.
*FG announces comprehensive review of safety measures
The incident, when a fuel-laden tanker en route from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at Dikko Junction, has prompted the federal government to announce a comprehensive review of transportation safety measures.
The President has also tasked the National Orientation Agency with launching a nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.
