Fuel Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Kills Over 60: Rising Fuel Costs Push Citizens to Risk Lives
Northern Nigeria faces another tragic tanker explosion as rising fuel prices force desperate measures amid an escalating cost of living crisis.
At least 60 people lost their lives in a devastating fuel tanker explosion in the Dikko area of Niger State, northern Nigeria. Authorities warn the death toll could rise further as emergency responders continue their operations at the scene.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred when a tanker carrying petrol overturned, prompting nearby residents to gather and scoop the spilled fuel. Tragically, the tanker erupted into flames, igniting another nearby fuel truck, according to Kumar Tsukwam, a sector commander with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“Most of the victims were burned beyond recognition,” Tsukwam said in a statement, adding that the fire had been extinguished by firefighters. Authorities are now working to clear the area and assess the extent of the damage.
Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger State, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and “worrisome.” He expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and called for stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
A Pattern of Tragedy
Tanker explosions are tragically common in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, where rising fuel prices and economic hardship have led many citizens to risk their lives collecting spilled fuel from overturned tankers.
Fuel prices have surged over 400% since President Bola Tinubu ended Nigeria’s decades-old fuel subsidy in May 2023, exacerbating the country’s cost of living crisis. This financial strain has driven people to exploit black-market opportunities by recovering fuel from tanker accidents, often with deadly consequences.
In October 2024, a similar incident in Jigawa State claimed over 150 lives. A growing crowd had gathered to collect spilled fuel from an overturned tanker, which then exploded. Authorities reported more than 100 injuries and organized a mass burial for the victims.
In September 2024, Niger State also saw another tanker explosion that killed 59 people following a collision between a fuel tanker and a truck carrying passengers and livestock.
Government’s Response to Tanker Explosions
After the October 2024 disaster, President Tinubu pledged to strengthen safety protocols for fuel transportation. Measures announced included increased police patrols on highways, stricter enforcement of transportation safety regulations, and enhanced highway safety mechanisms.
The Nigerian government has also ramped up efforts to combat oil theft, deploying gunboats to secure critical waterways and implementing stricter monitoring measures to reduce illegal activities in the oil sector.
However, these measures have not yet prevented further tragedies, as economic pressures and inadequate enforcement continue to pose risks.
A Growing Concern
The recurrence of tanker explosions underscores systemic issues in Nigeria’s fuel transportation and economic management. Experts and advocacy groups are calling for immediate government action to address safety failures and provide economic relief to reduce citizens’ reliance on black-market fuel.
Source : Swifteradio.com
