Niger State Governor, Umar Bago
By Stephen Ojo
48 passengers have died in an accident along the Lapai- Agaie road in Niger sate in which 50 cows also got burnt to ashes.
It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 12.30 am on Sunday when a fuel tanker exploded after colliding with articulated vehicle carrying passengers and cows from Kano to Lagos.
It was learnt that 37 bodies were earlier recovered and that more bodies were later recovered when the inferno was put off bringing to a total of 48 bodies burnt in the accident.
The Director General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-arah, confirmed the accident in a statement in Minna
He said “The trailer, which was transporting passengers and livestock from Wudil in Kano State to Lagos, was severely impacted by the collision, resulting in an intense fire. Two additional vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also caught in the explosion, further escalating the destruction. The fire spread rapidly, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake”.
According to Baba Ara, “Tragically, over 30 people were initially confirmed dead at the scene, while more than 50 cattle perished in the fire. However as rescue operations continued, more bodies were discovered, bringing the total death toll to 48. Due to the condition of the bodies, a mass burial was held for the victims. Many of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition, making individual identification difficult. NSEMA officials, along with local authorities, coordinated the burial”.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger state, Kumar Tsukwan also confirmed the incident in Minna on Sunday, adding that rescue operation was still ongoing
Meanwhile Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has expressed sadness over loss of lives and properties in the tanker explosion.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said that he is pained by the unfortunate incident and the colossal loss incurred.
He said, “While commiserating with all those who suffered losses in the incident. The State Government through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other relevant organisations have been mobilised to the scene of accident for rescue operation and other necessary actions”.
Bago called for calm by the residents of the affected area, and also enjoins road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
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The tragic event has left the local community in shock and mourning, highlighting the dangers of road transportation, especially involving flammable substances like petroleum products. Authorities have called for stricter safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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