A devastating fuel tanker explosion on Saturday at Dikko junction in central Nigeria claimed at least 70 lives as people scrambled to collect spilt gasoline amidst skyrocketing fuel prices.
According to Kumar Tsukwam, head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the tragic incident occurred on the Abuja-Kaduna road in Niger State around 10 am.
Tsukwam confirmed, "The death toll stands at 70 so far," adding that most of the victims were "burnt beyond recognition."
The incident unfolded when a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of gasoline overturned, prompting a large crowd to gather to scoop the fuel. The vehicle then burst into flames, engulfing another tanker nearby.
The FRSC reported that many of the victims were scavengers who risked their lives to recover the highly flammable fuel. An official statement confirmed that "so far, 60 corpses [have been] recovered from the scene," with others sustaining severe burns.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago described the event as "worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate," while urging citizens to prioritise safety.
Fuel tanker accidents are frequent in Nigeria, where widespread poverty and a worsening economic crisis have driven many to desperate measures.
The elimination of a fuel subsidy last year by President Bola Tinubu led to a fivefold increase in gasoline prices, triggering inflation of over 30 per cent.
According to a report by the United Nations, Nigerian authorities, and NGOs, the economic strain has left more than 33 million Nigerians, out of a population of approximately 230 million, at risk of hunger in 2025.
A pattern of tragedy
This latest disaster echoes a similar tragedy in October, when over 170 people died in Jigawa State during another fuel tanker explosion. In 2020, the FRSC recorded 1,531 fuel tanker accidents, resulting in 535 fatalities.
Governor Bago reiterated the need for caution and responsibility: “This incident is a painful reminder of the importance of safety in our daily lives.”
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