NEMA Confirms 39 Dead In Niger State Fuel Tanker Explosion

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 39 people lost their lives and more than 60 others sustained severe burns following a petrol tanker explosion in the Essan community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road. In a post shared on its X handle on Wednesday, NEMA stated, “The explosion, which happened around 3:45 p.m. along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road, claimed 39 lives and left over 60 persons with severe burns, including men, women, and children. The victims were reportedly among those attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred.”

Following the tragedy, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed the Head of its Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to deploy an emergency response team to the scene in coordination with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other rescue units. “NEMA’s team, working alongside NSEMA, the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, local vigilantes, and community volunteers, successfully evacuated the injured victims to nearby health facilities, including the Essan Primary Health Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for emergency treatment. The multi-stakeholder rescue team has commenced detailed assessment of damages in the affected community,” it added.

While consoling the families of the victims, Umar urged Nigerians to avoid scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a deadly and recurring practice that often leads to tragedy. Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State also expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

Fuel tanker explosions remain a recurring national concern, often caused by unsafe attempts to collect spilled fuel. Similar incidents in recent years have occurred in Rivers, Benue, Ogun, and Niger states, claiming dozens of lives and leaving many injured.