On the night of 8th September 2024, a tragedy of unheard-of proportions struck the Agaie area of Niger State, Nigeria. A tanker carrying fuel violently collided with a truck carrying passengers and livestock, causing a deadly explosion. The aftermath was devastating, with over 30 lives lost and over 50 livestock burned alive.
According to information provided by Abdullahi Baba-Arab, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the accident occurred at around 12:30am on the Lapai-Agaie road, about 2km from Dendo community. In addition to the two trucks involved in the initial collision, two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pick-up truck, were also affected.
The NSEMA Rapid Response Team, in collaboration with the Local Emergency Committees, are still on the scene conducting search and rescue operations. Unfortunately, several people remain trapped inside the vehicles that are still burning and partially destroyed.
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy that has caused loss of life and extensive damage. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Officer, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor called for caution on the roads and urged road users to adhere to traffic regulations to avoid such tragedies in the future.
This horrific tanker explosion in Niger State is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by travellers on Nigeria’s roads. Strict road safety and transport control measures must be taken to prevent such disasters in the future. In this time of mourning and grief, our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragedy. It is imperative that concrete actions are taken to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.