The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 39 people were killed and more than 60 others sustained severe burns after a petrol tanker explosion rocked Essan community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie Road.

Fuel Scooping Turns Tragic

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, NEMA explained that the explosion occurred when residents attempted to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.

“The explosion, which happened around 3:45 p.m. along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie Road, claimed 39 lives and left over 60 others with severe burns, including men, women, and children. The victims were among those trying to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when it suddenly exploded,” the agency said.

Emergency Response Activated

NEMA stated that its Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately directed the Head of the Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to activate an emergency response team to assist the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other responders in rescue operations.

A multi-agency team—comprising NEMA, NSEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes, and community volunteers—was mobilised to the scene.

The team successfully evacuated injured victims to nearby medical facilities, including the Essan Primary Health Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.

Authorities have begun a detailed damage assessment in the affected community to determine the full extent of the tragedy.

Public Warning Against Fuel Scooping

While commiserating with the families of the victims, NEMA’s Director-General warned Nigerians against scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing the act as “deadly and entirely avoidable.”

She urged residents to immediately contact emergency services whenever such incidents occur to ensure a safe and professional response.

Governor Bago Condoles with Victims’ Families

In a statement, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment.

Governor Bago called for increased public awareness on the dangers of fuel scooping and pledged his administration’s continued support for emergency response agencies.

Recurring Tragedy

Fuel tanker explosions have continued to claim lives across Nigeria, often triggered by residents attempting to collect spilled fuel after crashes.

In January 2025, at least 50 people were killed in a similar explosion along the Dikko–Maje Road in Suleja, Niger State.

Another tragic incident occurred in June 2025, near NASFAT Junction on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, where two people sustained critical burns and six vehicles were destroyed.

Experts have continued to call for stronger enforcement of road safety regulations and public education campaigns to curb the recurring menace of fuel tanker explosions in the country.

NEMA Confirms 39 Dead, 60 Injured in Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion

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