Eighty-six victims of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been laid to rest, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the agency’s Director-General, revealed that the mass burial, organized in collaboration with Gurara Local Government officials and local volunteers, was carried out between 5 p.m. and midnight at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.
While most of the victims were buried in a communal grave, five bodies were claimed by relatives for burial in their respective hometowns. Additionally, one individual succumbed to injuries at the healthcare facility.
The tragedy occurred when a fuel tanker crashed at Dikko Junction, a major thoroughfare linking Niger and Kaduna states. As residents attempted to collect fuel from the spilled contents, a massive fire broke out, resulting in multiple fatalities, including individuals who rushed to assist others.
The inferno also claimed the lives of travelers and passersby while destroying businesses operating in the vicinity.
A local resident identified as Yerima recounted the events to Drivetvnews, stating, “Security operatives tried their best to prevent people from scooping fuel, but they refused to listen. One boy even pulled out a knife to threaten a police officer who attempted to stop him.”
Dikko Junction, located along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, is a heavily trafficked route. The poor condition of the roads has increased the risk of accidents as drivers often avoid the more dangerous Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route.
