In response to the devastating petrol tanker fire incident at Dikko Junction in Niger State, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, is providing food, non-food items and medical supplies to assist injured victims and support affected families.
This was disclosed by the agency in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning along Dikko-Maje Road, opposite Baddegi Station. Reports indicate that the disaster was caused when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit crashed and spilled its contents during an attempt to transfer the fuel to another tanker.
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The spilled fuel came into contact with a generator powering the transfer process, igniting the explosion.
The incident resulted in the loss of 98 lives, left 69 people injured, and destroyed 20 shops.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited the affected community and oversaw the distribution of relief materials.
She emphasized that the intervention was part of President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the community’s recovery efforts.
She stated; “Based on the report of the initial rapid assessment carried out by officials of NEMA, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA and other first responders, we are here to provide immediate assistance with food, non-food items, and medicaments to the affected families.”
While expressing sympathy to the community, Mrs. Umar assured residents that NEMA would continue coordinating comprehensive recovery efforts.
She also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and proactive measures to protect lives and property.
Mrs. Umar praised the quick response of first responders, including NEMA, NSEMA, firefighters, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, medical personnel, security operatives, community members and other stakeholders who acted swiftly to save lives and prevent further damage.
The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, who commended the Federal Government’s timely response through NEMA.
Other attendees are the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar; the Director General of Niger State SEMA, Abdullahi Arah; and community leaders.
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