At Least 70 Dead in Niger State Fuel Tanker Explosion at Dikko Junction

Jan 18, 2025, 04:17 PM

At least 70 people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday morning in Niger State, northern Nigeria, after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. The incident occurred when a petrol tanker truck overturned, spilling fuel that ignited, causing a massive explosion. Many victims, including a pregnant woman, were residents who had gathered to collect the spilled fuel. The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the death toll. In response to the tragedy, Niger State Governor Bago has banned heavy trucks from Dikko Road. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, extended his condolences to the victims and the state.