Dozens Burnt as Fuel Tanker Blast Devastates Niger Communities
What began as an ordinary morning along the Bida, Agaie highway turned into a fiery nightmare on Tuesday when a fuel-laden tanker exploded, killing at least 35 people and injuring 46 others in Niger State.
The tragic explosion occurred near Essan and Badeggi communities in Katcha Local Government Area around 11 a.m., after the tanker reportedly overturned and spilled fuel across the road.
Moments later, the flammable liquid ignited, setting off a massive inferno that consumed dozens of lives and vehicles.
Witnesses said some residents had rushed to scoop leaking fuel before the blast. “People were shouting and running, but it was too late , the fire swallowed everyone close to the tanker,” said Musa, a resident of Badeggi who narrowly escaped.
Confirming the casualty figures, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Aishat Saadu, said emergency teams recovered 35 bodies while 46 survivors were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment.
“This is one of the most devastating accidents we’ve recorded this year,” she said, noting that rescue operations continued into the evening to clear debris and control the flames.
The Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers Association and National Ex-Officio of NUPENG, Comrade Farouk Kawo, described the incident as “heart-wrenching and avoidable,” blaming the deplorable state of the Bida–Agaie road for the recurrent tragedies.
Kawo revealed that this was the 31st tanker accident recorded in the state within the month, adding that another crash involving a truck carrying groundnut oil occurred just two days earlier along the same route.
“This is not just an accident; it’s a reflection of our failed infrastructure and lack of safety enforcement,” he lamented.
As at press time, the Niger State Government was yet to issue an official statement, though emergency responders and security agencies remained at the site to prevent further explosions.
The blast has once again raised concerns about road safety, poor infrastructure, and the dangerous practice of fuel scooping in rural communities — a recurring tragedy that continues to claim innocent lives across Nigeria.
