The death toll from the devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has climbed to 86, with 55 injured victims still receiving treatment in critical condition.
Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the updated figures.
According to him, 80 of the deceased victims were given a mass burial at the premises of the Primary Healthcare Centre in Dikko. Five bodies were claimed by relatives for private burials, while one victim passed away at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre after the mass burial.
“A total of 86 persons have now been confirmed dead,” Baba-Arah said. “Eighty were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko PHC premises, five were taken by their families for burial, and one died at Dikko PHC. The mass burial was carried out in collaboration with Gurara Local Government and brave volunteers between 5 p.m. and midnight.”
The injured victims are being treated at Suleja General Hospital, Sabon Wuse General Hospital, and the Primary Healthcare Centre in Dikko.
The Federal Government has ordered a probe into the tragic incident. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun described the explosion as a “terrible occurrence” and extended condolences to the Niger State government and the affected families.
Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies. “Negligence and disregard for traffic laws are major contributors to these incidents,” he said.
The IGP also directed all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) in partnership with other traffic management agencies to improve road safety.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility. Every driver, vehicle owner, and stakeholder must play their part to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property,” Egbetokun added.
The explosion occurred on Saturday morning when a petrol tanker, reportedly speeding, lost control and crashed at Dikko Junction, igniting a massive fire.
The blaze killed dozens of people, injured many others, and caused significant damage to nearby stores and properties.
