At least 31 people lost their lives and 17 others were injured after a tanker truck carrying gasoline exploded on Tuesday in Bida, Niger State, police have confirmed.
According to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, the tragic incident occurred when the fuel tanker overturned, spilling its contents along the roadside. As residents gathered to scoop up the leaking fuel, the truck erupted in flames, resulting in a deadly explosion.
Emergency responders rushed the injured victims to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities launched an investigation to trace the tanker’s driver and owner, as well as determine the cause of the accident.
Recurring Tragedies Amid Poor Infrastructure
Niger State has witnessed a surge in road accidents involving fuel and cargo trucks in recent months. Analysts attribute the trend to degraded road conditions, poor traffic management, and the lack of an effective rail transport system in the region.
As a major transit corridor connecting northern and southern Nigeria, the state handles significant volumes of goods and petroleum products, heightening the risk of such incidents.
Governor Bago Condemns Risky Fuel Scavenging
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Umaru Bago expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and urged residents to avoid approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.
“This is yet another painful, difficult, and tragic incident for our people and the state,” Governor Bago said. “It is heartbreaking that despite repeated warnings, people still risk their lives to collect spilled fuel.”
This is not the first such incident in Niger State. In January 2025, at least 98 people were killed in a similar explosion when residents attempted to siphon fuel from a crashed oil tanker using a generator.
Rising Fuel Prices Drive Desperation
The tragic scenes reflect a growing wave of fuel scavenging across Nigeria, driven by the soaring cost of gasoline following the removal of fuel subsidies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
With petrol prices now beyond the reach of many households, residents in rural and low-income areas often resort to collecting fuel from accident scenes, despite the grave danger.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and report fuel spills to emergency services instead of engaging in risky recovery efforts.
