35 Killed, many others injured in Bida–Lapai Tanker explosion while scooping fuel

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 35 people have died in a tanker explosion along the Bida–Lapai road, near Badegi, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

The victims were reportedly scooping fuel from a crashed tanker when it exploded, leaving 46 others with various degrees of injuries.

According to the FRSC rescue team deployed to the scene, the accident occurred at about 12:15 p.m. when a fuel-laden tanker lost control on a bad portion of the road and overturned. Moments later, residents rushed to the site to scoop petrol, triggering an explosion that consumed several people and properties.

The FRSC rescue team, led by the Unit Head of Operations, swiftly responded alongside the Niger State Fire Service, Bida Division, to contain the fire and evacuate survivors for medical attention.

While commiserating with the victims’ families, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the incident as a “needless national tragedy born out of ignorance, greed, and disregard for safety warnings.”

He warned Nigerians against approaching or tampering with fuel tankers involved in crashes, noting that “no litre of fuel is worth a human life.” The Corps Marshal further directed all FRSC formations nationwide to intensify community sensitisation, especially in rural and high-risk areas, on the dangers of fuel scooping.

Mohammed also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local authorities to partner with the Corps in spreading safety awareness.

The FRSC reminded the public that most of the high-fatality crashes recorded in 2024 were caused by fuel scooping rather than the initial accidents themselves.

It therefore appealed to residents along major highways to immediately report tanker crashes or incidents involving hazardous materials through its toll-free emergency line, 122, rather than engaging in unsafe activities that lead to avoidable loss of lives.

The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safer roads and preventing similar tragedies through continuous public enlightenment, strict enforcement, and collaboration with key stakeholders.