The death toll from Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 42, with over 60 others injured.
The tragic incident occurred on October 21 when a fuel tanker lost control on the deteriorating Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, overturned, and exploded as residents attempted to scoop fuel from the scene.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the accident happened between 11:00 am and 12:00 noon.
The explosion claimed the lives of nine men, 24 women, and nine children, while dozens of others, including children, sustained varying degrees of burns.
Victims were rushed to Essa Primary Health Care Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida for treatment.
Grieving residents and community leaders blamed the poor condition of the road for the fatal crash. Ibrahim Gaawu, a local leader, called the highway a “death trap” and criticized both state and federal governments for years of neglect.
“This road was built in 1923 and hasn’t been properly reconstructed for decades, despite millions spent,” Gaawu said.
“We are pleading with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to urgently fix this road before more lives are lost.”
One eyewitness, Surajo Mohammed, said the explosion occurred shortly after the tanker tipped over.
He claimed the driver, frustrated by the fuel scooping, allegedly set the tanker on fire, triggering the blast.
“People rushed with jerrycans and buckets. Many were trapped in the flames. We’ve already buried 28 victims,” Mohammed recounted.
Emergency response teams, including the Police, DSS, FRSC, NSCDC, NEMA, and local volunteers, were deployed to the scene.
Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA Operations for Niger and Kwara States, confirmed that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing as some families continued to search for missing loved ones.
Residents from Essa and neighboring communities have renewed calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, warning that continued government inaction could lead to even more tragedies.
