A tragic petrol tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of more than 30 people and resulted in the death of over 50 cows.

The explosion occurred early Sunday morning when the tanker, transporting petrol, collided head-on with a trailer truck that was carrying passengers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, to Lagos. The incident took place around 12:30 a.m. on the Lapai-Agaie road, approximately 2 kilometers from Dendo Community.

Abdullahi Baba-Arab, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the disaster in a statement. “NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday, 8th September 2024, at about 12:30 am along Lapai-Agaie road, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA,” the statement read.

The collision also involved two other vehicles: a crane truck and a pickup van. “Over 30 people have already been confirmed dead, with more than 50 cattle burnt alive. NSEMA’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), in conjunction with LGEMCs, is still at the scene conducting search and rescue operations, as more bodies remain trapped inside the vehicles,” the statement added.

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Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor conveyed his grief over the loss of life and property. He urged residents to remain calm and advised road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies. The Governor also offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.

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