Agaie, Niger State — Barely a week after the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko junction, Niger State has been hit by another devastating tanker accident at Kusogbogi in Agaie Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, involved a fuel-laden tanker that overturned and caught fire while attempting to overtake another truck. The front tyre of the tanker reportedly burst mid-motion, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which resulted in the fiery explosion.
While no lives were lost, the driver and his conductor sustained injuries and were rushed to Lapai General Hospital for treatment.
Confirming the incident, Alhaji Ibrahim Hussaini, the Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), assured the public that efforts were underway to prevent further incidents.
The recent explosion follows the tragic events of January 18, 2025, at Dikko junction along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which claimed numerous lives and prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inaugurate a high-level committee to tackle the recurring tanker explosions nationwide.
The committee, composed of representatives from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers’ associations, and other key stakeholders, aims to address the root causes of these catastrophic events.
Tanker explosions have become a growing concern in Nigeria, posing severe risks to human lives and the economy. Factors such as poorly maintained vehicles, reckless driving, and inadequate safety measures contribute to these incidents.
Notably, the country has witnessed a series of tragic tanker explosions. On January 5, 2025, a diesel tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State, claimed four lives and left three others injured. In October 2024, a tanker explosion in Jigawa State led to the deaths of over 170 people, one of the deadliest such incidents in recent history. Similarly, a September 2024 collision between a fuel tanker and a truck in Niger State resulted in the deaths of 59 people.
Experts have emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to curb tanker explosions. Stronger regulatory frameworks, enforcement of stricter safety standards for tankers, and improvements to road infrastructure are critical steps toward mitigating these incidents.
By Enoch Odesola| January 28, 2025
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