News
Niger tanker explosion: More tears as death toll rises to 98
There is no letup in the grief that has enveloped Dikko community in Niger State as the death toll from the tanker explosion has continued to rise.
An update by the state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), yesterday, put the death toll at 98. Its director general, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, also said that 69 people were injured and 20 shops burnt.
The tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning at about 9am, along the Dikko-Maje road opposite Baddegi fuelling station in Gurara Local Government Area.
The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker.
In the process, the PMS came into contact with a generator used to power the transfer process, triggering an explosion that claimed many, injured many, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
The incident had sparked widespread condemnation and sympathy from various quarters.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government said 22 victims have been admitted into the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu for the swift transfer of the injured to tertiary medical centres for enhanced medical attention.
“All the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centers to ensure seamless care, a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Rabiu Ibrahim, said.
PDP seeks measures to stem reccurrence
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to put in safety measures to prevent the recurrence of the tragic incident on Nigeria roads.
It said the incident has added to the ugly wave of tragic occurrences that had befallen the nation due to the deplorable state of infrastructure in the country.
He said it was disheartening that Nigerians, especially the youths and breadwinners of homes, continue to die on the highways and bear ugly scars as victims of bad governance.
PDP called on the Federal Government not to stop only at investigating the remote and immediate causes of the tragedy and similar incidents in the recent time.
It also called on the government to take immediate steps to address the situation that led to the sad occurrences.
“The Federal Government should take steps to put adequate measures to ensure safer roads so as to prevent the re-occurrence of such tragic incidents in the country.
“The PDP, however, commends the efforts and courage of the police, firefighters, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies and patriotic Nigerians who helped to control the fire and rescued some of the victims.
“The PDP commiserates with the families of the victims, the Government and people of Niger State and prays to God to grant speedy recovery to the injured and fortitude to the families of the deceased at this trying time.’’
•Kano, Kebbi govs, northern senators mourn
Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf and Nasir Idris of Kano and Kebbi states, respectively, have expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State.
Describing the loss as a national tragedy, Governor Yusuf lamented the avoidable nature of the incident and called for urgent measures to prevent similar occurrences.
“This heartbreaking event is a grim reminder of the fragility of human life and the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety.”
The governor emphasised the need for public enlightenment on the dangers of scooping fuel from accident scenes and called on relevant authorities to enforce safety measures on highways to protect lives.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and prioritize caution in such situations.
Governor, in a condolence message, described the explosion as sad and ugly.
He appealed to members of the affected families to accept the will of God Almighty in good faith.
While praying to Almighty Allah to put an end to recurrence of such ugly development, Idris also prayed for quick recovery of those who sustained varying degrees of injuries and urged Nigerians to be cautious of their lives, especially in the event of fuel tanker accidents.
Northern Senators knock NYSC, other
The Northern Senators Forum, in a condolence message, said the devastating incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and enforcement of safety regulations on our roads.
Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, chairman of the Forum and chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, also noted that the incident could have been avoided if the enforcement agencies had taken precautionary steps.
The committee called on relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure that all tankers and heavy-duty vehicles are roadworthy and adhere to strict safety standards.
“The enormous damage caused by such breakdowns is unacceptable and preventable. We also urge Nigerians to refrain from scooping fuel in the event of such incidents as it can have devastating consequences.
“As we mourn the loss of lives, the Forum offers its sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. May God grant the souls of all that was lost eternal rest.”
Too many, worrisome – JNI
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called for an urgent action to prevent the recurrence of the explosion of tankers conveying petroleum products across Nigeria.
In a statement by its Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna, the association said: ”The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has received the sad news with utmost concern and shock.
He said the gory incident was an addition to the series of many others of such obnoxious explosions in recent times.
“It is so unfortunate that tankers conveying petroleum products are now sources of disastrous road accidents, with agonising loss of lives and property in Nigeria.
“The Dikko junction incident is too much of a tragedy to be waived, taking into account that the junction is on a major highway connecting Northern Nigeria, particularly the North-West to Southern Nigeria.
“More so, the same episodes had occurred in the most recent past in Jigawa twice.”
He said the unfortunate October 15 fuel tanker explosion in Majiya, Jigawa,was said to have claimed over 200 persons, injuring many.
Also, on November 12, another tanker exploded at Gamoji, along h Kano-Maiduguri Highway, claiming many lives.
Aloyu added that a similar tragedy occurred on January 14, at Epe-Ijebu Odeyemi Expressway.
”Sometime in 2023 at Iganmu Bridge, Lagos State, many vehicles were destroyed and lives lost, arising from a petroleum tanker explosion.
“JNI is genuinely worried over the serial explosions from petroleum tankers, without any seeming efforts by the relevant stakeholders to address the misnomer.”
The JNI called on governments to take immediate action to prevent future tragedies, including taking control of dangerous bends, sharp curves and parking lots prone to accidents.
According to Aliyu, other actions are establishing FRSC emergency detachments and Federal Fire Service offices with the state-of-the-art equipment.
”There is also the need to review the extant safety protocols guiding fuel transportation and enhancing surveillance on the explosion-prone highways.
“Nigerians should always avoid explosion-prone areas to reduce casualty, no matter the temptation for assumed loot, no life is worth losing carelessly.“
Aliyu also called on the relevant transport and road unions to begin sensitising their members on the dangers associated with reckless driving.
“This is especially one-way driving, which has now become too common on the Nigerian highways and they should always cooperate with the security agencies on the highways;
“Governments at all levels, in collaboration with the different security agencies, should be up and doing against the recklessness of all drivers plying major highways.
”This is most especially the tanker drivers, as desperate situations need desperate measures,
“Governments should act beyond mere verbal condemnations on related matters.
”Nigerians are desirous of more concrete actions against all forms of unfortunate incidents, criminals and criminality,” he said.
JNI called on the Federal Government to review the safety protocols guiding fuel transportation in Nigeria.
He stated that the repeated explosions call for a serious review, while surveillance should maximally be accorded to explosion-prone highways.
Aliyu also appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action in completing the 40-km Suleja to Minna dual carriageway connecting Abuja and Niger.
He said that the project has been ongoing for over 20 years, saying, ”completing it will ease the movement of goods and services as well as save lives.
“The Sultan of Sokoto prayed for the departed souls, seeking Allah’s infinite mercy and solace for the bereaved families.”
Peter Obi want safety measures in place
Writing on his X handle, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, called for stricter safety measures to avert persisting accident.
“The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday is truly heartbreaking….”
“These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.
“I sincerely commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. I also extend my condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over this devastating incident.
“May God grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this loss, eternal rest to the departed, and a swift recovery to the injured.”
Credit: The Sun Nigeria
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sacked one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.
The Board made this known on Monday in its bulletin, stating that the action was part of its renewed efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices within the admission and examination system.
According to JAMB, the sanction against the unnamed staff member showed that its fight against exploitation was not limited to external fraudsters but also applied to employees found abusing their positions.
“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system,” the board stated.
It further cautioned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining its credibility or exploiting candidates and members of the public.
The Board stressed that any staff members found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences in line with established regulations.
“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” it added.
The tertiary examination body reiterated that it would not shield any employee who abuses the trust placed in them by candidates or members of the public.
The Senate of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended nine students for one academic session over their involvement in examination misconduct.
According to a statement by the university’s public relations unit and made available in Calabar on Monday, the suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the registrar, Chukwuka Icha.
The action, the university said, followed approval by the Senate following recommendations by its Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).
“The affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.
“Five of the affected students are from the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts,” it said.
The others are in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences; the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences,” the statement said.
The university directed the acting chief security officer, deans, heads of departments, and other relevant units to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.
(NAN)
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lamented a fresh increase in cooking gas prices, saying the development is forcing households to cut consumption, adjust budgets and resort to alternative cooking fuels.
Market checks across Abuja showed that Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is selling for between N1,380 and N2,000 per kilogramme, depending on location and outlet, after prices had dropped to as low as N1,250 in some areas earlier in September.
The latest increase has reversed some of the relief recorded in July, when improved supply and increased imports reportedly pushed prices down in several parts of the FCT.
For Mrs Rukayyah Muhammed, the increase has already disrupted her household budget.
She said she usually bought a kilogramme of cooking gas for about N1,300 but paid N1,700 at a black-market outlet around Idu Furniture area during at the weekend.
Muhammed said she had to use money set aside for transportation to make up the difference, adding that the rising cost had forced her to consider charcoal as an alternative.
“Now, I have to improvise with a coal stove and use charcoal. Sometimes, that is what I have to do,” she said.
Expressing frustration over the development, she appealed to the government to intervene, saying the rising cost of basic necessities had become unbearable for ordinary households.
“Honestly, I was heartbroken. Please, government should do something about it because the thing is tiring,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs Tunde, said she had noticed a sharp increase in cooking gas prices in recent times.
She said a 12kg cylinder, which previously cost her N16,500 to refill, now cost about N18,750.
Tunde said the increase had affected her household budget, adding that she sometimes resorted to an electric cooker because the gas did not last as long as she expected.
“The gas doesn’t even last for a month. For something that is that expensive, it should be able to serve us much longer,” she said.
She called on the government to make cooking gas more affordable and urged relevant authorities to ensure that weighing metres used by retailers were properly maintained so consumers received the exact quantity they paid for.
Similarly, Mrs Salaudeen said the increase had forced her to adjust her household spending after she had to refill her cylinder earlier than planned.
She said she usually cooked in bulk and stored food in a freezer but had resorted to charcoal for meals such as beans to reduce gas consumption.
“The increase is really affecting me. I can’t cook beans with gas; I have to use charcoal,” she said.
Another resident, Abdulwahab, said the price of cooking gas had risen from between N1,200 and N1,250 to about N1,500 per kilogramme in some locations.
He said he had noticed the increase since the previous week, expressing concern that salaries and purchasing power had not increased in line with the rising cost of basic necessities.
“People’s purchasing power has not increased, and salaries remain the same, while the cost of basic necessities continues to rise. This is very troubling,” he said.
Abdulwahab urged the government to consider measures, including subsidies, to make cooking gas more affordable.
The price fluctuation has also affected retailers, who said the increase had reduced patronage as customers now buy smaller quantities.
A gas operator with E. Adeboluwa International Limited in Life Camp, Mr Andrew, said the price rose from N1,350 to N1,500 per kilogramme.
Andrew said he noticed the increase when he resumed work recently, attributing it partly to transportation costs.
According to him, poor road conditions and rising fuel prices had increased the cost of transporting gas to Abuja.
He said the development had affected sales, as many customers could no longer afford to buy the quantities they previously purchased.
“Many customers now buy smaller quantities. There is no market like before,” he said.
A black-market operator, Muhammed Musa, said he noticed the latest increase about a week ago, adding that he had raised his price from N1,500 to N1,700 per kilogramme after buying from gas stations.
Musa said the increase had led to a decline in patronage, with some customers complaining that the commodity had become too expensive.
He said operators usually added about N200 to cover their costs, while the difference between black-market and gas station prices was generally between N200 and N300 per kilogramme.
Another black-market operator, Usman Haladu, said the price had increased from N1,400 to N1,800 per kilogramme.
Haladu, who said he noticed the increase about four days ago, explained that he was still selling his existing stock at the old price because he had yet to purchase a new supply.
At AA Rano Gas Station in Jabi, the manager, Nuru Sani Adam, said cooking gas was selling for about N1,380 per kilogramme.
Adam described the increase as a concern for consumers who depend on the commodity for their daily cooking needs, calling on the government to provide relief for households.
“We need things to become easier for us. I also use gas for cooking, and we need support because of the difficulties we are facing,” he said.
Small businesses that depend on LPG have also been affected by the rising cost.
Isyaka Mai Shayi, an Indomie and tea seller in Jabi, said he currently bought cooking gas for N1,300 per kilogramme, with 2kg costing him N2,600.
He said when he started the business about three to four years ago, a kilogramme of gas cost about N600.
Mai Shayi said the increase had raised his operating costs, as he relied on LPG to prepare Indomie and tea for customers.
He said some customers had complained about rising prices but continued to patronise his business because they had limited alternatives.
The vendor said he had previously increased the price of his Indomie when gas rose to about N1,100 per kilogramme but was reluctant to raise it again for fear of losing customers.
He called for measures to ease the burden on both consumers and small business owners.
The renewed increase comes barely two months after residents recorded some relief following a drop in LPG prices in parts of Abuja.
In July, market checks showed that the commodity sold for about N1,600 per kilogramme, down from as high as N2,000 in some locations. Outlets in Dutse and Gwarimpa were selling between N1,450 and N1,500, while some retailers in Kubwa, Dawaki, Bwari and Lugbe sold at between N1,650 and N1,700.
Prices reportedly declined further in some areas in early September, with improved supply and increased imports easing pressure on the market.
However, the latest market checks suggest that the relief has not been sustained uniformly, with prices now reaching as high as N2,000 per kilogramme in some parts of the FCT.
At the current price range, refilling a 12.5kg cylinder could cost between N17,250 and N25,000, depending on the outlet.
For households already grappling with high food, transportation and electricity costs, residents said the latest increase had made cooking gas a growing burden on their monthly budgets.
They called on the government and stakeholders in the LPG supply chain to address factors contributing to repeated price fluctuations and ensure more stable supply and affordable prices.
Credit: Daily Trust
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