The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially confirmed the devastating loss of lives and injuries resulting from a petrol tanker explosion in the Essa community, located along the Agaie–Bida road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to NEMA’s statement, the incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, when an articulated vehicle carrying petrol overturned. Tragically, residents who rushed to the scene to scoop fuel were caught in the explosion that followed, leading to the death of 39 individuals and injuries to over 60 others, including men, women, and children.
Upon receiving the distress call, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Minna Operations Office, led by Mr. Hussaini Isah, to support rescue efforts in collaboration with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other first responders.
“We deeply mourn the lives lost in this tragic incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected,” said Mrs. Umar. “We urge the public to desist from scooping fuel from accident scenes, as such actions have repeatedly led to avoidable loss of lives.”
The agency emphasized the need for increased public awareness and safety education to prevent similar tragedies. It also called on local authorities to enforce stricter controls around accident scenes involving hazardous materials.