Many residents are feared dead in Niger State while trying to scoop fuel after a petrol tanker spilled its contents on the tarred road.
Many others sustained various degrees of injury.
The incident happened on Saturday morning in Dikko junction along the expressway between Niger and Kaduna states.
It was gathered that shortly after the speeding tanker fell and spilt its content, onlookers rushed to the scene to scoop the liquid content.
It was while they were scooping the fuel that the tanker exploded and burnt many of the residents who were scooping the fuel, while those who were not so close to the tanker escaped with injuries.
Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mohammed Bago, who was on the governor’s entourage to Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas to inspect the government’s projects, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
Ibrahim stated that the governor called for caution from road users.
He said the governor expressed shock at the incident and called on security agents to ensure there was adequate security while other humanitarian agents were working to restore normalcy in the area.
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“Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expresses shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
“The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate. He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured. The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
“He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging security agents to ensure security in the area.
“A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker, was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning, after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content.
“Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt,” he stated.
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