50 people perish in Niger petrol tanker fire, Gov. Bago commiserates with bereaved families

Following a petrol tanker explosion that consumed nearly 50 people in Niger State, Gov. Mohammed Bago has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and property in the tragic incident.

The accident, which happened on Sunday along Lapai-Agaie, about two km from Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area, also claimed the lives of over 50 cows.

Persecondnews reports that a head-on collision between a petrol tanker and a truck from Kano State transporting people and cattle caused the accident.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Sunday, Bago said he was pained by the unfortunate incident and the colossal loss incurred.

The governor called for calm by the residents of the affected area and enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.

“I am very sad and pained by this unfortunate incident and the colossal loss of lives and property. I wish to commiserate with the families of the bereaved and call for calm among the residents of the affected places.

“The State Government, through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant organizations, have been mobilised to the scene of an accident for rescue operations and other necessary actions.

“Road users must always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property. I pray Allah will repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured,” he said.

Meanwhile, a mass burial has taken place for the 48 bodies that the search and rescue operation recovered.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Mr. Abdullahi Baba-Arab, said the trailer truck that collided with the oil tanker was coming from Wudil in Kano State and was heading to Lagos with over 50 persons and 50 cattle, all burnt to death in the fire incident.