Niger State: Gas explosion destroys Rice Mill, others

Niger State has suffered yet another gas explosion, this time at a petrol station in Sabon Wuse, where a massive blaze led to the destruction of a rice mill, a fuel tanker, and several nearby structures.

The ugly incident occurred at approximately 10:30p.m. on Saturday, sending Residents into panic.

As at the time of filing this report, our Correspondent reliably gathered that there is no casualties reported so far.

The explosion erupted at F&S Investment petrol station, situated along the Abuja–Kaduna highway in the Tafa Local Government Area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the fire ignited while a gas-laden tanker was offloading its cargo.

David Sakoma, a local resident, stated that flames erupted from the tanker during the process, rapidly consuming the surrounding area, including the adjacent Ngil Rice Mill.

Another eyewitness, Dorcas Andrew, corroborated this account, noting that while many people fled in fear, others remained to watch the fire unfold.

A short video shared on social media by a resident, Kabir Bako, captured the dramatic inferno.

Despite the devastation, the main petrol station reportedly escaped the worst of the damage.

This marks the fourth major explosion in Niger State within the past month, adding to growing concerns over safety.

Just three weeks ago, a twin tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of over 120 people and left 56 others injured.

The victims were given mass burials at a local healthcare centre, while Survivors were transported to Abuja for medical treatment.

Following the Dikko tragedy, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited the state capital, Minna, where she announced N100 million financial support for affected families.

The latest explosion occurred just a short distance from the Dikko disaster site, further heightening fears in a region already grappling with the destruction of multi-million naira properties due to previous tanker accidents.

As authorities launch an investigation into the cause of this latest explosion, Residents remain on edge, calling for urgent measures to prevent further disasters in the State.