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FUEL TANKER EXPLOSION IN NIGER STATE CLAIMS 7 LIVES, LEAVES FARMLANDS IN RUINS

A devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred in Karamin Rami village, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, claiming the lives of seven people and leaving farmlands in ruins. The incident happened on Tuesday around 6:30 p.m. when a tanker lost control while navigating a bad stretch of road, overturning and spilling its contents onto the road and into a nearby stream. According to reports, the highly flammable fuel mixed with water from the farmers’ pumps and ignited, triggering an explosion that engulfed the area. The resulting inferno spread rapidly, burning crops, fruit vegetation, and some of the farmers caught in its path. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the identities of the deceased: Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi, Raliya Abdulrahman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam A. Nura. Another victim, Maimuna Isah, sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at Saho Rami Primary Health Care. Authorities are investigating the incident, while residents are calling for urgent repairs to the deteriorating roads to prevent future tragedies. This incident is a grim reminder of the importance of road maintenance and safety measures to prevent such disasters. It’s worth noting that this incident comes after a similar fuel tanker explosion occurred in Niger State in January 2025, claiming over 100 lives and injuring many more.

FIRST LADY DONATES N100M TO DISASTER VICTIMS IN NIGER STATE

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has donated N100 million to victims of various disasters in Niger State. The funds will be disbursed to 70 families at N1 million per family, while the remaining amount will be used to purchase food and other supplies. SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria, Busola Kukoyi, in a statement, noted that Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muhammed Bago, for his efforts in promoting agriculture in the state. “You have been doing a lot for your state and by extension Nigeria in the area of Agriculture. You should be proud of yourself,” Senator Tinubu said. The First Lady’s visit to Niger State was a private one, but she took the opportunity to check in on the victims of the recent explosion in the state. Kukoyi stated that the visit was a demonstration of Senator Tinubu’s motherly love and concern for the welfare of Nigerians. During her visit, Senator Tinubu also paid a private visit to former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar. She explained that the visit was to check on their welfare and seek their advice. “Whatever we do in Abuja will not be complete without coming to them. Ask them how we are faring and seek further advice. They are the Patriarchs of this nation,” Senator Tinubu said. The Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muhammed Bago, thanked Senator Tinubu for her visit and donation. The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also appealed to Senator Tinubu to visit the state again to inaugurate more RHI programs, especially in the area of agriculture. Kukoyi noted that the visit was a significant one, as it demonstrated the First Lady’s commitment to supporting Nigerians in need. Busola Kukoyi further stated that Senator Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.

DEADLY EXPLOSION IN NIGER STATE MINING COMMUNITY CLAIMS 25 LIVES

A devastating explosion rocked the serene mining community of Sabon Pegi in Mashegun Local Government Area, Niger State, on Sunday morning, leaving at least 25 people dead and scores injured. The blast, which was reportedly triggered by improperly stored explosives, reduced more than half of the village’s buildings and shops to rubble. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moment as the explosion ripped through the mining site, with many scrambling to save their loved ones amidst chaos. “We thought it was the dam in New Bussa that exploded because the sound was deafening. It’s a miracle anyone survived,” said one resident. Initial findings suggest that the explosives were stored in a shop near the mining site by a man named Yushau, who is reportedly known for dealing in explosives. Yushau allegedly stored the materials at his uncle’s house in Sabon Pegi and fled the community immediately after the explosion. His whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend him for questioning. The blast has left Sabon Pegi reeling, with families grieving their losses and many residents displaced. Villagers continue to dig through the debris in hopes of recovering missing relatives, even as military personnel have sealed off the area to maintain order and facilitate rescue efforts. Hospitals in New Bussa are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, many of whom are in critical condition. The tragedy has sparked outrage and demands for stricter oversight of mining activities in the region. Community leaders have urged authorities to investigate the use and storage of explosives in mining operations, calling for immediate enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future disasters. This incident comes just days after a fuel tanker explosion in Dikko claimed over 100 lives, adding to a growing sense of urgency for better safety measures across Niger State. While there has been no official statement from the state government or police, security forces remain on high alert as the community comes to terms with the magnitude of the tragedy.

IGP COMMISERATES WITH NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT OVER TANKER EXPLOSION

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred on January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State. In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on the roads, warning against negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents. “The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on our roads, warns firmly against the negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents,” Adejobi stated. The IGP directed all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways. Adejobi noted that the IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by traffic rules to prevent tragedies. Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the IGP prayed for the souls of the departed and called on stakeholders, including transport operators and the general public, to prioritize safety and responsibility in their operations and actions. The tanker explosion resulted in the loss of over 73 lives, numerous injuries, and destruction of several shops and property. The IGP’s directive is aimed at preventing such incidents in the future.

TANKER EXPLOSION CLAIMS MULTIPLE LIVES IN NIGER STATE

A devastating tanker explosion occurred at Dikko junction, near the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, leaving scores of people burnt to death and several others injured. According to eyewitnesses, a petrol tanker exploded after some residents attempted to scoop its contents, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, describing it as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate.” The governor sympathized with the families of the victims, praying that Allah would grant them solace and healing. Governor Bago cautioned the public to prioritize their safety and be responsible, especially in situations involving hazardous materials. He directed relevant authorities to take necessary actions and ensure security in the area. Reports indicate that the tanker exploded after it fell and spilled its contents on the road. Despite the exact number of casualties being unclear, sources suggest that at least 60 people were burnt to death.