BIDA, Nigeria (FN) — At least 30 people were killed and 40 others injured in Niger State on Monday after a fuel tanker exploded while residents attempted to scoop petrol from the vehicle following an accident.
The explosion occurred around 11 a.m. in the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaie highway in Katcha Local Government Area. Witnesses said the victims were engulfed in flames as they scrambled to collect fuel leaking from the overturned tanker.
Many of the deceased were burned beyond recognition, according to emergency responders. The injured were transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition.
The tanker, reportedly en route from Lagos to northern Nigeria, had crashed due to poor road conditions before the explosion. Local authorities said the vehicle was one of dozens involved in similar accidents on the same stretch of road this month.
Farouk Mohammed Kawo, a senior official with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), confirmed the incident and blamed the deteriorated state of the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road for repeated tanker crashes.
Kawo said residents, particularly young people, often ignore warnings and rush to scoop fuel from accident scenes, despite the known risks. He cited a similar incident just days earlier involving a tanker carrying groundnut oil.
Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago expressed condolences to the affected communities and described the tragedy as “worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic.” He urged residents to prioritize safety over material gain and avoid approaching fallen tankers.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor commended the swift response of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and pledged continued support for victims through relevant government agencies.
The incident has renewed calls for federal intervention to repair the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road, which has become notorious for fatal accidents involving fuel tankers and heavy-duty vehicles.
Authorities say the explosion underscores the urgent need for public education on the dangers of fuel scavenging and for infrastructure upgrades to prevent further loss of life.
