The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced a donation of ₦1 million to each family of the deceased victims and ₦500,000 to each of the injured survivors of the recent tanker explosion in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area.
Bago made the announcement on Thursday during a condolence visit to the affected community, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment and met with local leaders and residents. This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, when fire ignited as residents attempted to scoop petrol from a fallen tanker along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority (NSEMA), Abdullahi Arah, confirmed that the death toll from the explosion has risen to 42, with 52 others injured. He attributed the incident to the poor condition of the road and the high temperatures in the area, which contributed to the ignition of the fire.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Governor Bago prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals in Bida and Abuja. He also condemned the act of residents scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing it as both dangerous and criminal.
“We came to commiserate with them over the loss of lives and to also talk to their conscience. It is a terrible thing that a truck will fall and people of the community will carry containers to scoop fuel. It is theft and must be addressed as such, and we cannot encourage it,” he said.
The governor reiterated his donation to victims’ families and the injured, while urging residents to act responsibly and assist in rescue efforts during emergencies rather than endanger their lives.
Bago also revealed that business mogul Aliko Dangote had pledged to repair the Mokwa–Lambata Road, with work expected to commence soon. Additionally, the state government plans to build a new primary healthcare center in Essa Community to cater to local health needs.
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