Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has pledged financial assistance to victims of the recent tanker explosion that occurred in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area.
Each bereaved family will receive ₦1 million, while those who sustained injuries will get ₦500,000, according to an official statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday night.
Governor Bago made the announcement during a condolence visit to the affected community, where he inspected the scene and met with local leaders and residents.
The tragic incident, which happened around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, was reportedly caused by an explosion that erupted while some residents were scooping fuel from a fallen petrol tanker along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie Road.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Arah, confirmed that 42 people lost their lives, while 52 others were injured in the disaster. He attributed the explosion to poor road conditions and the intense heat in the area, which he said contributed to the fire outbreak.
Governor Bago, expressing deep sorrow over the incident, prayed for the quick recovery of those hospitalized in Bida and Abuja.
He also condemned the dangerous act of residents scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as both illegal and life-threatening.
“We came to commiserate with them over the loss of lives and to appeal to their conscience.
It is unfortunate that people still risk their lives to scoop petrol from a fallen truck.
Such behavior amounts to theft and should not be encouraged,” he warned.
The governor reiterated his government’s resolve to support the victims and improve infrastructure in the area. He noted that the poor state of the roads had contributed to the accident and emphasized the need for responsible behavior during emergencies.
Bago further revealed that business magnate Aliko Dangote had committed to repairing the Mokwa–Lambata Road, with work expected to begin soon.
To enhance medical care in the affected community, the state government also plans to construct a new primary healthcare center in Essa.
