The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has updated the death toll from the recent fuel tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State to 98, with 69 others sustaining various degrees of injury. The tragic incident also destroyed 20 shops in the resulting inferno. NEMA disclosed the update in a press release issued Tuesday in Abuja after distributing food, non-food items, and medical supplies to support victims and their families.
During her visit to the affected community, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, launched the relief distribution, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to aiding recovery efforts. “This intervention aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to support the community in the aftermath of this disaster,” she stated.
Mrs. Umar highlighted the findings from the initial rapid assessment conducted by NEMA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and other first responders. She assured the victims and their families of comprehensive support, while urging communities nationwide to prioritize disaster preparedness and proactive safety measures.
She also commended the swift response of first responders, including rescue teams from NEMA, NSEMA, firefighters, the Federal Road Safety Corps, medical personnel, and security operatives, whose efforts helped save lives and mitigate further damage.
Key officials present at the event included the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, who praised the federal government’s prompt intervention. Also in attendance were the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar; Director General of NSEMA, Comrade Abdullahi Arah; and local community leaders. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater disaster preparedness and safety awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
