Death Toll In Niger Tanker Fire Rises To 98 — NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has updated the death toll from the devastating fuel tanker fire at Dikko Junction in Niger State, revealing that 98 people lost their lives in the tragic incident. In addition, 69 others sustained varying degrees of injury, while 20 shops were destroyed in the inferno.

The update, provided on Tuesday by NEMA in Abuja, follows the distribution of food, non-food items, medical supplies, and other forms of relief to the victims and their families.

“Update on the disaster indicate that 98 persons lost their lives, 69 have different degrees of injuries while 20 shops were burnt in the inferno,” NEMA said in a press release.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited the affected community and officially flagged off the distribution of relief items. She highlighted that the assistance was in accordance with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is part of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the recovery of the community from the disaster.

“Based on the report of the first rapid assessment carried out by NEMA, NSEMA, and other first responders, we have come to provide immediate assistance of food and non-food items, including medicaments, to the affected families,” Umar said.

While offering her condolences, the NEMA DG emphasized that the disaster serves as a reminder for communities to focus on disaster preparedness and be proactive in safeguarding lives and property. She commended the swift response of the first responders, including teams from NEMA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), fire fighters, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), medical personnel, community members, security operatives, and other stakeholders. These individuals worked tirelessly under pressure to save lives and minimize further damage.

The deputy speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, was present at the event and expressed gratitude for the prompt response from the federal government in delivering the relief items through NEMA.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar, the Director-General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Comrade Abdullahi Arah, and various community leaders.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, has deeply impacted the local community, with authorities continuing to work on relief and recovery efforts.