Niger State Petrol Tanker explosion death toll hits 42

The death toll from a devastating petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 42, with more than 60 others injured.

The tragedy occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when a tanker overturned and exploded as residents reportedly scooped fuel from the vehicle.

Residents have blamed the poor state of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road for the accident, urging both federal and state governments to urgently repair the highway to prevent further loss of lives.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the tanker lost control between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon due to the road’s deteriorated condition, overturned, and exploded shortly after. The blast claimed the lives of 42 people, including nine males, 24 females, and nine children. Over 60 others—20 males, seven females, and seven children—sustained burns of varying severity, many of them among those trying to collect fuel before the explosion.

The injured were evacuated to Essa Primary Health Care Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida for treatment. Emergency responders from the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NEMA, and local volunteers were mobilized to manage the rescue and maintain order.

Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA Operations for Niger and Kwara States, confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing as residents searched for missing loved ones, promising further updates as more information becomes available.

Residents expressed deep frustration over the road’s condition. Ibrahim Gaawu, a community leader in Essa, described it as a “death trap” and called for urgent intervention.

“The tanker exploded instantly, killing 42 people and injuring many others. This road, built in 1923 and last reconstructed decades ago, is in terrible condition despite millions spent on it. We are pleading with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to urgently fix this road to prevent more tragedies,” Gaawu said.

Eyewitness Surajo Mohammed recounted the incident, saying, “Around midday, a petrol tanker overturned on the Bida–Agaie Road near Essa and Badeggi. People rushed with buckets and jerrycans to scoop fuel. The tanker driver became angry and reportedly set the tanker on fire, causing the explosion. Many people were trapped around the tanker and could not escape. So far, we have buried 28 victims, with more expected. We appreciate the quick response of the state government in evacuating the injured.”

Residents of Essa and neighboring communities continue to demand urgent rehabilitation of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, highlighting its critical importance as one of Niger State’s busiest yet most neglected routes.