Niger Govt Commiserates, Approves Free Care For Explosion Victims
Death Toll From Niger Tanker Explosion Rises To 42
Updated October 23, 2025
The death toll from Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 42, with more than 60 others injured.
The tragic incident occurred when a tanker overturned along the deteriorated Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road and exploded as residents attempted to scoop fuel from the fallen vehicle.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, the Niger State Government expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the victims and their families.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn with the people of Essa and neighbouring communities. This is a painful loss for our state, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected,” Bagana said.
Acting on the directive of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, a government delegation led by Bagana visited the scene of the explosion and hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment. He announced that the governor had approved free and comprehensive medical care for all victims.
Bagana added that the severely injured were being transferred to the National Hospital, Gwagwalada, for advanced treatment, while others are receiving care at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida and Agaie General Hospital.
While commiserating with the bereaved families, he cautioned residents against the dangerous act of scooping fuel from accident scenes, noting that similar practices have caused repeated tragedies across the country.
“We mourn with the affected families and pray for the souls of the departed. We also appeal to residents to desist from scooping fuel from accident scenes. The government remains fully committed to the safety and well-being of its people,” he stated.
The Niger State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing road safety, emergency response, and infrastructure rehabilitation to prevent future occurrences.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the victims included nine men, 24 women, and nine children. Rescue operations, involving the police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, and local volunteers, continued as several residents remained unaccounted for.
Community leaders and eyewitnesses blamed the poor condition of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie highway for the disaster and called on both federal and state authorities to urgently rehabilitate the road to avert further tragedies.