39 killed, 60 injured in Niger fuel tank explosion – NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 39 people lost their lives while more than 60 others sustained severe burns following a petrol tanker explosion in the Essan community of Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, NEMA said the victims were reportedly attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred.
READ ALSO: 39 killed, 60 injured in Niger fuel tank explosion – NEMA
“The explosion, which happened around 3:45 p.m. along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road, claimed 39 lives and left over 60 persons with severe burns, including men, women, and children. The victims were among those trying to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when it suddenly exploded,” the agency said.
NEMA disclosed that its Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, promptly ordered the Head of the Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to activate an emergency response team to support the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other responders in the rescue operations.
According to the agency, a multi-agency team comprising NEMA, NSEMA, the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, local vigilantes, and community volunteers carried out the evacuation of injured victims to nearby hospitals, including the Essan Primary Health Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.
The rescue team has since begun a detailed assessment of the damage in the affected community.
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While commiserating with the families of the victims, NEMA’s Director-General warned the public against scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a deadly and avoidable practice. She urged residents and motorists to report such incidents promptly to emergency agencies for professional handling.
In a condolence message, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
Fuel tanker explosions have become a recurring tragedy in parts of Nigeria, often linked to the dangerous act of fuel scooping. Similar incidents in recent years have claimed dozens of lives across several states, including Niger, Rivers, Benue, Ogun, and Ondo.
In January 2025, at least 50 people were killed in a tanker explosion along the Dikko–Maje Road in Suleja, Niger State. In June 2025, another explosion occurred near NASFAT junction along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, leaving two people severely injured and six vehicles burnt.
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