The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has provided critical relief following a deadly petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State.
The disaster occurred on Saturday morning along the Dikko-Maje Road when a tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), crashed and began transferring fuel to another tanker. The spilled fuel ignited after coming into contact with a generator, triggering an explosion. Tragically, 98 people lost their lives, while 69 others sustained injuries, and 20 shops were destroyed.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, according to a statement by the Agency on Tuesday, led a delegation to the affected area distributing food, medical supplies, and other relief items to the victims and their families. “We are here to provide immediate assistance to the affected families,” said Umar, emphasising the agency’s efforts to align with President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the Federal Government’s commitment to disaster recovery.
The disaster response was praised by local leaders, including the Deputy Speaker of Niger State’s House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, who acknowledged the swift delivery of aid. “The Federal Government’s response through NEMA has been prompt and effective,” Daudu stated.
The explosion remains under investigation as authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
