The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched an emergency response after a devastating petrol tanker explosion killed 39 people and left more than 60 others with severe burns in the Essan community of Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road, according to a statement posted by NEMA on its official X handle on Wednesday.
“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,” the agency stated.
Following the explosion, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed the Head of the Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to immediately mobilize a rescue team to the scene. The agency said its officials were working alongside the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, local vigilantes, and community volunteers to conduct rescue operations and assess the scale of the destruction.
“NEMA’s team, working with NSEMA and other responders, 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 agency added.
While commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives, Umar urged Nigerians to stop the dangerous act of scooping fuel from accident scenes.
“Such reckless behaviour has caused countless avoidable deaths and widespread destruction,” she warned. “We advise residents and motorists to steer clear of tanker accidents and promptly alert emergency agencies for professional intervention.”
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In a separate statement, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Fuel tanker explosions remain a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, often caused by attempts to scoop spilled petrol from fallen tankers. Similar accidents have been recorded in Rivers, Benue, Ogun, and other states over the years.
In January 2025, at least 50 people died in a tanker explosion along the Dikko–Maje Road in Suleja, Niger State. Likewise, in July 2023, eight people lost their lives in a similar incident in Ondo State, while in June 2025, a petrol-laden tanker exploded near NASFAT Junction along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, injuring two people and burning six vehicles.
Authorities have once again called for public caution, stressing that fuel scooping remains a deadly and illegal practice.
