Niger Explosion: Death Toll Rises 86, Tinubu Orders NOA, Comprehensive Treatment for Injured 

The death toll from the tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 86, with 55 individuals hospitalized for severe burns.  

The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the updated figures in a statement. According to Baba-Arah, all 86 victims have been recovered and buried. Eighty of the deceased were laid to rest in mass graves at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises, while five were taken away by their families for burial, and one succumbed to injuries at Dikko PHC.  

The mass burial, which took place between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, was carried out in collaboration with Gurara LGA officials and compassionate volunteers.  

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic and unfortunate event. In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the victims and ordered comprehensive medical treatment for those injured.  

The president also directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public awareness campaigns, urging citizens to avoid fuel tanker accident scenes to prevent such tragedies in the future.  

Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation as the injured receive medical care in various hospitals across the region.