Seventy-seven lives were lost in a deadly tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic event, which occurred on Saturday, has plunged the community into mourning and raised concerns about safety measures in the area.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the death toll to Channels Television through a telephone conversation.
According to Baba-Arah, 25 injured victims were rushed to various hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and nearby health facilities for urgent medical attention.
Following the incident, the Niger State Government directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass through the Dikko Bridge.
Governor Umaru Bago gave the directive when he visited the scene of the explosion around Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Governor, who decried the recklessness of some drivers, said they should follow under the bridge and take a U-turn appropriately.
He enjoined the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive while calling on relevant transport unions to cooperate with them.
Governor Bago described the tanker explosion as pathetic, thanking God that the tragic incident did not extend to the adjoining communities
He called on the Federal Government to expedite action to complete the Minna-Suleja Road as the delay in the project is contributing to the continuous loss of lives.
The governor thanked the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, fire service, and other agencies that have contributed to the evacuation of victims.
