Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State have donated the sum of N1 Million each families of the deceased victims and ₦500,000 to each of the injured survivors of the recent tanker explosion in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

 

The Governor announced the donation during a condolence visit to the affected community, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment and met with local leaders and residents.

 

In a statement issued by Governor Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday night.

 

It would be recalled that

the tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, when fire ignited and overpowered residents scooping petrol from a fallen tanker, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road.

 

The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority, Abdullahi Arah, confirmed that the death toll from the petrol tanker explosion rose to 42.

 

Arah, who spoke on ARISE News, attributed the tragic incident to the poor condition of the road and the high temperature in the area, which he said contributed to the ignition of the fire.

 

“As of the last count, the total number of dead stands at 42, and the number of injured persons is 52,” Arah said.

 

Governor Bago expressed deep sorrow over the incident, and prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals in Bida and Abuja.

 

The Governor condemned the act of residents scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing it as both dangerous and criminal.

 

“We came to commiserate with them over loss of lives and to also talk to their conscience.

 

“It is a terrible thing that a truck will fall and people of the community will carry containers to scoop fuel. It is theft and must be addressed as such, and we can’t encourage it,” he warned.

 

Bago also “announced a donation of N1m to families of each of the deceased victims and N500,000 to each of the injured victims receiving treatment.”

 

The Governor however promised that the State Government will build a new primary healthcare center in Essa Community to cater for the health needs of the people.