Tanker Explosion: Niger Govt Bans Heavy-Duty Trucks From One-Way Route

Following a devastating tanker explosion on Saturday that claimed the lives of over 70 people, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered heavy-duty trucks to stop using the one-way route through Dikko Bridge.

The explosion, which occurred at Dikko Junction in Suleja Local Government Area, claimed the lives of individuals attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker.

During a visit to the scene of the incident, Governor Bago expressed profound grief over the loss of lives, describing the event as tragic but noting that nearby communities were not affected.

READ ASO: Niger Fuel Tanker Blast Claims 86 Lives, 55 Injured

He condemned the reckless behavior of some drivers and announced immediate measures to prevent future occurrences.

To enforce this directive, vehicles coming from the Maje direction will no longer be allowed to pass through Dikko Bridge. Instead, they must take the alternate route beneath the bridge and make a U-turn. The governor has called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander to deploy a detachment to the area to ensure compliance and urged transport unions to collaborate with the FRSC in implementing this new traffic regulation.

Governor Bago attributed the frequent accidents in the area to delays in completing the Minna-Suleja road project and appealed to the federal government to expedite the project.

He also commended the swift response of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, FRSC, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers in evacuating victims and managing the aftermath of the explosion.

As part of the state’s efforts to support the injured, the governor announced the redeployment of doctors from Minna hospitals to assist in treating victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital.