The devastating fuel tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State on a Saturday morning claimed the lives of over 90 individuals, leaving at least 60 others with severe burns and injuries. The tragedy unfolded as a speeding tanker crashed into a concrete divider, spilling its contents onto the road. Attracted by the spilled fuel, numerous local residents rushed to the scene to collect it, unaware of the impending danger. The situation turned catastrophic when, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the tanker owners activated a generator set attached to the vehicle, igniting the spilled fuel and engulfing those scooping it, along with individuals attempting rescues, in a raging inferno.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago swiftly visited the scene to express condolences and offer prayers for the injured, many of whom were transported to Suleja General Hospital. Acknowledging the immense scale of the tragedy, Governor Bago announced that the state government would cover the medical expenses of all the injured victims as a gesture of compassion and support during this difficult time. Recognizing the potential for similar incidents, the governor also imposed a ban on vehicles traveling from the Maje axis from passing over the Dikko bridge, instead directing them to utilize the underpass and make a U-turn. This measure aimed to mitigate risks and ensure safer traffic flow in the area, reflecting a proactive approach to preventing future tragedies.
In response to the overwhelming need for medical care, the Niger State government swiftly mobilized a comprehensive healthcare response. Governor Bago directed the provision of free medical services and the deployment of adequate healthcare personnel to all facilities treating the victims. An 18-member multidisciplinary medical team from the Ministry of Health, including the Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Special Adviser on Health, and Special Adviser on Special Duties, was dispatched to oversee the medical operations. The team visited both Suleja General Hospital and Shehu Musa Yar’adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse to assess the patients’ conditions and ensure the provision of necessary care.
The scale of the disaster, however, overwhelmed the capacity of local medical facilities. Many victims required specialized care, leading to referrals to tertiary healthcare institutions in Abuja. At Suleja General Hospital, 43 male patients were admitted, with seven tragically succumbing to their injuries. Three patients were discharged after receiving satisfactory treatment, while ten were transferred to Abuja for specialized care. The remaining patients continued to receive treatment for varying degrees of burns at the Suleja facility. Similarly, at Sabon-Wuse General Hospital, 23 patients were initially admitted, but three died within eight hours. Nineteen patients opted to discharge themselves against medical advice, and one critically injured individual was referred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
The Niger State government also provided medical supplies and commodities to both hospitals, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting the victims. The federal government commended the state government’s prompt response to the disaster, echoing the sentiments expressed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who visited Suleja alongside the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The President expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the state government, the Emir, and the people of Suleja Emirate.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the federal government pledged to provide free medical services to all critically injured victims transferred to Abuja. President Tinubu also ordered the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the recurring issue of tanker explosions nationwide, signaling a commitment to addressing the root causes of such tragedies. Furthermore, the 18-member medical team distributed N50,000 in cash to each patient to assist with their immediate needs. This combined effort underscored the collaborative approach taken by both federal and state governments to provide comprehensive support to the victims and their families.
Amidst the grief and devastation, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) extended condolences to Governor Bago and the people of Niger State. Chairman Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna expressed the Christian community’s solidarity with the state government during this difficult time. He described the explosion as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate,” conveying the collective grief felt by the community and offering sympathy to the governor and the families affected by the tragedy. The outpouring of support from various levels of government and civil society organizations reflected a shared commitment to providing both immediate relief and long-term solutions to address the underlying issues that contribute to such devastating events.
