By Beki Abubakar
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has mourned the death of 35 persons who lost their lives in a tanker explosion along the Bida–Agaie highway on Tuesday.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the tragedy as “worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic,” while commiserating with the victims’ families and praying for the recovery of the injured.
According to the state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, the incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. when a tanker conveying petrol fell in a lone accident. Some residents reportedly rushed to scoop the spilled fuel, which later ignited and exploded, killing dozens and injuring 17 others.
Abiodun added that three motorcycles were also burnt, while security operatives and emergency responders were deployed for rescue operations.
Governor Bago lamented the recurring tragedy of fuel scooping despite repeated public warnings, urging residents to “value their lives no matter the situation.”
