The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced financial assistance to victims of the recent petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
Each family of the deceased victims is to receive ₦1 million, while each survivor currently receiving treatment will get ₦500,000.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday during a condolence visit to the affected community, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment and met with traditional rulers, local officials, and residents.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the gesture is part of the state government’s efforts to support victims and their families as they recover from the tragic incident.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority, Abdullahi Arah, confirmed that the death toll from the explosion has risen to 42, while 52 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
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Arah, who spoke on ARISE News, attributed the tragedy to the poor state of the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road and extreme heat conditions that may have triggered the fire.
The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday when a tanker fell along the highway, spilling petrol that ignited as residents tried to scoop fuel.
Governor Bago expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalized in Bida and Abuja. He condemned the act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing it as “both dangerous and criminal.”
“It is a terrible thing that a truck will fall and people of the community will carry containers to scoop fuel. It is theft and must be addressed as such, and we can’t encourage it,” he said.
While acknowledging that bad roads contributed to the tragedy, Bago urged citizens to act responsibly during emergencies and assist in rescue operations instead of endangering their lives.
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The governor also revealed that business magnate Aliko Dangote has pledged to repair the Mokwa–Lambata Road, with construction expected to begin soon.
In addition, the Niger State Government plans to build a new primary healthcare centre in Essa Community to cater to the residents’ medical needs.
