The Niger State Government has conducted a mass burial for victims of the recent petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Essa village, Katcha Local Government Area, while also approving comprehensive free medical treatment for all survivors.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, who said the decision followed the visit of a government delegation led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, to the explosion site and hospitals treating the victims.
According to the statement, special prayers were offered during the burial for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for the quick recovery of the injured.
“A mass burial for the deceased victims was conducted in Katcha, with a special prayer for the repose of their souls and quick recovery for the injured.
The state government confirmed that normalcy has returned to the affected community and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents,” the statement read.
The government revealed that about 50 people sustained varying degrees of injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, with some victims currently being treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida, General Hospitals in Bida and Agaie, and National Hospital Abuja.
In response, the state approved free medical treatment for all the victims and supplied drugs and medical materials worth over ₦10 million to hospitals managing the injured. It also presented cash donations to affected families.
The government commended FMC Bida, the State Ministry of Health, Emergency Response Teams, and the Katcha Local Government Authority for their swift and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The state government appreciates the professionalism of the FMC Bida management and the dedication of health and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to save lives,” it said.
Meanwhile, officials have warned residents to avoid scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noting that the Essa explosion occurred when villagers tried to collect fuel from a crashed tanker, leading to a devastating fire.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed that 42 people lost their lives and 52 others were injured.
Similarly, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) earlier reported 39 deaths and over 60 severe burns, adding that rescue operations involved multiple agencies, including NSEMA, FRSC, NSCDC, Police, DSS, and local volunteers.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed deep sorrow, lamenting that despite continuous sensitisation, some citizens still risk their lives during such incidents.
“It is saddening that despite repeated warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, people continue to take life-threatening risks,” Idris said.
The Niger State Government further called on the federal government to urgently repair the Jebba–Mokwa–Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata road, blaming the poor condition of the highway for the fatal crash that triggered the explosion.
