Ten more victims of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, have died, bringing the total fatalities from the incident to 17. Seven deaths were recorded at the General Hospital in Suleja, while three others occurred at the General Hospital in Sabon-Wuse.
According to Abdulberqy Ebbo, Special Adviser on Digital Communications to the Niger Governor, 43 victims were initially admitted to the General Hospital, Suleja. Of these, seven succumbed to their injuries, three were discharged for home care, 10 were referred to Abuja for specialist treatment, and 23 remain hospitalized with varying degrees of burns. At the Sabon-Wuse facility, three patients died, while 19 others left against medical advice, leaving one critical patient awaiting evacuation to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago directed the deployment of free medical services and additional health workers to assist the victims. An 18-member multidisciplinary medical team, led by officials including the Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello, assessed the situation and facilitated referrals for intensive care to tertiary facilities in Abuja.
Governor Bago expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for improved safety measures to prevent such occurrences. The government remains committed to providing the necessary support for the injured and ensuring adequate transportation safety protocols are enforced.
