A tragic petrol tanker fire disaster occurred at Dikko Junction in Niger State, claiming 98 lives, injuring 69 people, and destroying 20 shops. The incident happened on Saturday morning when a crashed tanker spilled its Premium Motor Spirit contents while being transferred to another tanker. The spilled fuel came into contact with a generator, causing a massive explosion.
In response to the disaster, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) distributed food, non-food items, and medical supplies to support the treatment of injured victims and provide relief to the affected families. NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited the community and flagged off the distribution of relief materials, stating that the intervention was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
Mrs. Umar emphasized the need for communities to prioritize disaster preparedness and proactive measures to safeguard lives and property. She commended the swift response of first responders, including NEMA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, firefighters, and medical personnel, who acted promptly to save lives and mitigate further damage.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, who appreciated the Federal Government’s prompt response in delivering relief items through NEMA. Also in attendance were the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar, and community leaders.
NEMA’s efforts aim to provide immediate assistance to the affected families and support their recovery. The agency’s intervention is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to assisting communities in times of disaster.
