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 on Tuesday in Essan community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on October 21, 2025, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road, when residents reportedly attempted to scoop petrol from a fallen tanker before it exploded.
In a statement posted on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, NEMA described the explosion as “devastating,” adding that men, women, and children were among the casualties.
“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,”
— NEMA statement.
Following the explosion, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, ordered an immediate activation of the agency’s emergency response. She directed the Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to deploy a rescue team to support the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other responders.
According to NEMA, a multi-agency rescue team comprising officials from the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes, and community volunteers worked together to evacuate the injured.
The victims were rushed 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 a detailed assessment of damages in the affected community,”
— NEMA added.
While commiserating with families of the victims, Mrs. Umar cautioned Nigerians against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident tankers, noting that such acts have repeatedly led to tragic and avoidable loss of lives.
She also urged residents and motorists to stay clear of accident scenes and immediately report such incidents to emergency agencies for professional handling.
About the Author
