NIGER STATE, NIGERIA — A devastating fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria’s Niger State has claimed the lives of at least 35 people and left several others critically injured, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed on Tuesday.

According to FRSC sector commander Aishatu Saadu, the tragedy occurred when the petrol-laden tanker overturned and exploded after skidding off the road in the Essa community of Katcha Local Government Area. The accident caused a massive fire that engulfed nearby vehicles and pedestrians who had rushed to the scene.

“The tanker lost control, spilled petrol, and within minutes, the fuel ignited,” Saadu said. “Unfortunately, several people were caught in the explosion.”

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Multiple Casualties and Burn Victims Rushed to Hospital

Local media outlets including TVC News and Channels Television reported that dozens of burn victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida for emergency treatment. Hospital sources described the conditions of some patients as “critical,” citing extensive third-degree burns.

Witnesses said many of the victims had gathered around the tanker, attempting to collect spilled fuel when the explosion occurred — a recurring and tragic pattern in Nigeria’s history of fuel-related accidents.

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Governor Mourns Victims, Calls for Action

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing the incident as “another painful tragedy” for the state.

In an official statement released by his chief press secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said:

“Our hearts go out to the people of Essa and all those affected. This incident claimed many innocent lives and left others fighting for survival. The government will continue working to improve road safety and prevent such disasters.”

The statement also noted that some residents had approached the overturned tanker to scoop petrol before the fire erupted — a dangerous but all-too-common response in fuel spill situations.

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Road Conditions and Infrastructure Failures Blamed

The chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers’ Association, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, described the explosion as both “devastating and avoidable.” He revealed that nearly 30 accidents involving fuel tankers have been recorded along the same route in October alone.

“The deplorable state of the road from Lagos to northern Nigeria contributes to these repeated tragedies,” Kawo said. “We keep losing lives and vehicles due to poor maintenance and bad driving conditions.”

The tanker involved was transporting petrol from Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, to the north when it crashed.

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Recurring Fuel Accidents in Nigeria

Deadly explosions involving petroleum tankers are tragically frequent in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, where most fuel is transported by road due to limited pipeline infrastructure.

Decades of underinvestment in energy and road infrastructure have left highways riddled with potholes and weak bridges, creating dangerous conditions for heavy vehicles.

In addition, poverty and fuel scarcity often drive residents to scoop spilled petrol after tanker crashes, unaware of the immediate risk of ignition. Over the past decade, such incidents have killed hundreds of Nigerians — from Lagos to Anambra and beyond.

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Calls for Pipeline Expansion and Safer Transport

Experts say the reliance on road tankers for moving fuel remains a major national safety concern. Advocacy groups and economists have repeatedly urged the federal government to invest in modern pipeline networks and rail logistics to reduce tanker-related fatalities.

However, progress has been slow despite promises tied to the newly opened Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is expected to modernize Nigeria’s fuel supply chain in coming years.

For now, families in Essa and across Niger State mourn yet another avoidable loss — one that underscores the urgent need for infrastructure reform, stricter enforcement of road safety laws, and better public education on fuel accident dangers.