Bago Gives ₦1m to Families of Niger Tanker Blast Victims

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has donated ₦1 million to each family of the deceased victims and ₦500,000 to those injured in the recent tanker explosion at Essa, Katcha Local Government Area.

The governor announced the gesture on Thursday during a condolence visit to the community, where he assessed the scene and met with local leaders. His Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the development in a statement.

The explosion, which occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road, reportedly killed 42 people and injured 52 others. Residents were said to have been scooping petrol from a fallen tanker when the fire broke out.

Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority, Abdullahi Arah, said on ARISE News that the tragedy was worsened by poor road conditions and high temperatures.

Governor Bago expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and condemned the act of scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as dangerous and criminal. He urged residents to act responsibly during emergencies.

He also revealed that business magnate Aliko Dangote had pledged to repair the Mokwa–Lambata Road, while the state government plans to build a new primary healthcare centre in Essa Community to meet residents’ health needs.