After a dangerous petrol tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, 48 persons who were confirmed dead by the authorities have been given mass burial in the state.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday when a tanker and a trailer had had a head-on collision with some individuals who were reportedly travelling from Wudil in Kano state with cattle.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arab, while providing an update on the incident on Sunday, confirmed that 48 persons whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition. had been given a mass burial in the local government where the incident took place.
He explained that after a thorough search and rescue operation at the scene of the incident, apart from the 30 bodies earlier recovered by the rescue team, 18 more bodies were recovered and buried by the government authorities.
Speaking on the incident, Baba-Arab explained that the incident took place at about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LG.
He noted that the incident resulted in the death of over 50 cattle that were burnt beyond recognition. Two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were reportedly destroyed in the accident.
In reaction to the incident, the governor of the state, Mohammed Bago, expressed sadness over the death of the casualties, which resulted in a huge loss of lives and properties.
The governor, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Sunday, expressed pain over the unfortunate loss and numerous loss of lives and properties.
He advised residents to remain calm, noting that road users should be cautious while travelling, especially at night. The governor also advised them to use road signs and abide by the regulations.
The governor noted that staff from the state emergency management authority had been mobilised to the area for swift rescue operations.
