30 burnt to death scooping fuel from fallen tanker in Niger, 40 injured

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At least 30 people have allegedly lost their lives and around 40 sustained various degrees of injuries in a tanker explosion in Niger state.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Essan along the Bida-Agaie road in Katcha local government area.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were scooping petroleum products from the overturned tanker when it exploded, leaving many burnt beyond recognition.

Those injured were rushed to Federal Medical Centre Bida for medical attention.

Confirming the incident, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, Niger State Chairman of Tanker Drivers and NUPENG stated that the tanker was transporting petroleum products from Lagos.

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has extended his deepest condolences to the people of Essa over the tanker explosion.

The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic.

“This is yet another painful, difficult, and tragic one for the people and the state government,” and prayed that Allah will repose the souls of those who died in the explosion and grant quick recovery to the injured.

He says it is disheartening how people have continued to approach a fallen tanker to scoop its contents despite several sensitisation on the danger of such action.

The farmer governor enjoins the people to value their lives no matter the situation

He commended the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for its prompt intervention, and  assured  that the state government through relevant MDAs will provide the needed support.

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