The National Emergency Management Agency has distributed food, medical supplies, and other relief materials to victims of the devastating petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday morning along the Dikko-Maje Road, claimed 98 lives, injured 69 others, and destroyed 20 shops.
According to reports, the disaster began when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed while attempting to transfer fuel to another tanker. The spilled fuel came into contact with a generator powering the transfer, igniting the explosion.
During her visit to the affected community, NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar flagged off the distribution of relief materials, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to support the victims.
“This intervention is in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to help the community recover from this tragedy,” Umar said.
She added, “Based on the report of the initial rapid assessment carried out by officials of NEMA, NSEMA, and other first responders, we are here to provide immediate assistance with food, non-food items, and medicaments to the affected families.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu; the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar; and the Director General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Arah.
Deputy Speaker Daudu commended the Federal Government for its swift response through NEMA, stating, “We appreciate the prompt delivery of these relief items, which will go a long way in easing the suffering of the victims.”
Umar praised the swift actions of first responders, including NEMA, NSEMA, firefighters, medical personnel, and community members, who helped save lives and reduce further damage.
She urged communities to prioritise disaster preparedness and adopt proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies.
“Our collective efforts to ensure safety and preparedness will go a long way in protecting lives and property,” she said.
NEMA also assured that it would continue coordinating efforts to help the community recover and rebuild after the disaster.
