Faith Nyasuguta
The tragic death toll from a devastating oil tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has risen to 86.
The explosion occurred early on Saturday near the Suleja area in Niger State after individuals attempted to transfer fuel from a crashed oil tanker into another vehicle using a generator. This action ignited the blast, killing not only those involved in the fuel transfer but also several innocent bystanders.
Hussaini Isah of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the update to the Associated Press, revealing that an additional 55 people were injured in the explosion and are now receiving treatment at local hospitals. The situation remains dire, with many victims burned beyond recognition. Isah expressed concern that the death toll may be higher, as the true extent of the damage can only be determined through forensic investigations.
The explosion was especially deadly due to the large crowd that had gathered at the scene. Many were taking photos, while others attempted to collect fuel from the tanker, a common practice in Nigeria where people see it as an opportunity to scoop free gasoline for personal use or resale.
This risky behavior has become an all-too-frequent occurrence in the country, exacerbated by rising fuel prices after President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies in 2023 to allocate resources for development. The policy has caused significant hardship for many Nigerians, leading to widespread protests and unrest.
In the wake of the explosion, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident “tragic and preventable.” His office issued a statement on Sunday, showing the need for heightened public awareness regarding the severe risks of fuel scooping. To prevent further incidents, Tinubu ordered a national campaign to educate citizens on the environmental and safety dangers associated with such practices.
This recent disaster follows a similar tragedy in October, where more than 170 people lost their lives in an explosion in Jigawa State, located in northern Nigeria. The increasing frequency of such incidents underscores the need for greater safety measures and public awareness campaigns to curb the dangers of fuel-related accidents.
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