An eyewitness has claimed that a tanker driver deliberately set his vehicle ablaze, triggering the devastating explosion that killed at least 42 people and injured more than 60 others in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around midday on October 21 when a petrol tanker reportedly overturned along the Bida–Agaie–Badeggi Road, spilling its contents onto the highway.
Residents, in a desperate attempt to scoop fuel, rushed to the scene with buckets and jerrycans — moments before the inferno erupted.
According to Surajo Mohammed, an eyewitness from the area, the driver allegedly became enraged by the crowd gathering around the fallen tanker and set it on fire.
“Around midday, a petrol tanker overturned on the Bida–Agaie Road near Essa and Badeggi. People rushed with buckets and jerry cans to scoop fuel. The tanker driver became angry and reportedly set the tanker on fire, causing the explosion,” Mohammed recounted.
“Many people were trapped around the tanker and could not escape. We have already buried 28 victims, and more are being prepared for burial.”
The explosion tore through the community, leaving dozens dead and many more with severe burns.
Emergency responders described scenes of widespread devastation as charred remains and destroyed property littered the area.
Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that rescue operations were still ongoing late Tuesday.
The agency’s Head of Operations for Niger and Kwara States, Hussaini Isah, said the tanker lost control due to the poor condition of the road before it overturned and exploded.
He noted that 42 bodies, including nine men, 24 women, and nine children, had been recovered, while over 60 victims were receiving treatment at various hospitals, including Essa Primary Health Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida.
“The road is in a deplorable state,” said Ibrahim Gaawu, a community leader in Essa. It was constructed decades ago and has not been properly rehabilitated despite the millions reportedly spent on it. We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to fix this road urgently. It has become a death trap.”
Residents who lost loved ones expressed anger and frustration, blaming both federal and state governments for neglecting one of Niger State’s busiest highways.
Emergency agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were mobilised to the scene to maintain order and coordinate rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have commiserated with the government and people of Niger State over the tragedy.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the Northern Senators Forum expressed deep sorrow over the incident and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
“This devastating incident deeply saddens us, and we pray for the repose of the departed souls. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and comfort their families during this difficult time,” Yar’Adua said.
The forum urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify efforts in enforcing roadworthiness and safety compliance among drivers transporting hazardous materials across the country.
Similarly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the explosion as a grim reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety regulations and road infrastructure.
“We commiserate with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the people of Niger State, and the families of the victims. This tragedy underscores the importance of better regulation and safer road practices in the transportation of combustible materials,” AbdulRazaq stated.
As rescue teams continued recovery efforts on Wednesday, grief and anger still pervaded Essa and surrounding communities, a grim reflection of a tragedy many say could have been avoided if Nigeria’s roads were safer and enforcement stricter.
