Niger assumes responsibility for treating tanker fire victims
The Niger State Government has announced that it will cover the cost of treatment for victims injured in the tragic fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction along the Niger-Kaduna expressway. This gesture, described as humanitarian, aims to alleviate the burden on those affected.
Tragic Explosion Claims Lives and Leaves Many Injured
The explosion, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, claimed the lives of over 90 people and left more than 60 others with varying degrees of burns and injuries.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a speeding tanker lost control and collided with a concrete divider, causing it to overturn and spill its contents across the road.
Many local residents rushed to the scene to scoop the fuel. Tragically, the tanker ignited when a generator attached to its head was activated, resulting in a massive inferno. Both those collecting fuel and those trying to rescue others were caught in the blaze.
Governor Bago’s Humanitarian Response
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, visited the scene of the tragedy to commiserate with the victims and their families. During his visit to the Suleja General Hospital, where many of the injured were being treated, the governor announced that the state government would fully cover the cost of medical care for the victims.
Governor Bago also used the occasion to caution tanker drivers on the need for road safety and placed a ban on vehicles from the Maje axis using the Dikko bridge. He directed that such vehicles should use alternative routes to prevent further accidents.
“The Niger State Government has directed that no vehicle coming from Maje should pass through the Dikko bridge. They must use the underpass and make appropriate U-turns,” the governor stated through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.
Medical Teams Mobilized
Following the governor’s directive, a robust medical response was initiated to provide immediate care for the victims.
An 18-member multidisciplinary team, led by the Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello, was dispatched to manage the crisis.
The team also included the Special Advisers on Health, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, and on Special Duties, Dr. Murtala Bagana.
The team visited the Suleja General Hospital and the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse, where the injured were receiving treatment.
During their visit, they distributed medical supplies and essential commodities donated by the Niger State Government to support the healthcare facilities.
Updates from the Hospitals
At the Suleja General Hospital, 43 patients, all male, were admitted. Unfortunately, seven succumbed to their injuries, while three were treated and discharged. Ten others were referred to specialist facilities in Abuja for advanced care.
In Sabon-Wuse, 23 patients were admitted, three of whom passed away within eight hours. Nineteen patients opted to leave against medical advice, while one critical case was transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja for intensive care.
Federal Government’s Commendation and Support
The federal government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Yilwatda Nentawe, commended the Niger State Government for its swift response.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, extended condolences to the victims’ families, and directed that a high-powered committee be set up to address recurring tanker explosions in the country.
The federal government also pledged to provide free medical care for critically injured victims referred to tertiary healthcare facilities in Abuja.
Community and Religious Support
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has expressed its condolences to the victims and the state government.
Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, the Chairman of CAN and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described the incident as devastating and assured the governor of the Christian community’s solidarity during this challenging time.
Relief Efforts Continue
In addition to covering medical expenses, the Niger State Government provided cash assistance of ₦50,000 to each patient for feeding and other immediate needs.
As the community mourns this tragic loss, efforts are underway to ensure that victims receive adequate care and that measures are put in place to prevent such disasters in the future.