A somber mood pervaded the Dikko Primary Health Care premises in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State as 86 victims of the devastating tanker explosion were buried in a mass grave.
The mass burial, organized by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) in collaboration with Gurara local government officials and volunteers, was a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of life resulting from the tanker explosion.
According to the Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, five victims were claimed by relatives for private burial, while one victim died at the healthcare center.
55 individuals who sustained injuries in the incident are currently receiving medical treatment.
The tanker explosion occurred when a fuel-laden tanker overturned at Dikko Junction, spilling its contents.
Despite warnings, residents gathered to scoop fuel, leading to a devastating explosion that claimed numerous lives and left many injured.
President Tinubu mourns
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people, with many also injured.
A statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), the devastating explosion occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing about an immense human toll.
It said President Tinubu mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
He underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.
The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
According to the statement, Tinubu strongly advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.
Additionally, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign.
It said this campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
