A recent petrol tanker explosion in Essa Village, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has tragically claimed the lives of at least 35 individuals, with some reports indicating up to 38 fatalities, and left 40 to 46 others injured. The devastating incident, which also destroyed property worth millions of naira, including vehicles, livestock, and perishable goods, occurred along the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko Road, a critical federal highway linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country.

The tragedy unfolded after an overturned petrol tanker, reportedly conveying products from Lagos to a northern city, encountered a bad portion of the road. Eyewitnesses indicated that the situation escalated when villagers began scooping fuel from the fallen tanker, leading to a massive explosion and subsequent inferno that engulfed many individuals. Victims sustained severe burns, with many burnt beyond recognition, and the injured were rushed to Bida and Lapai General Hospitals for treatment. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the high casualty figures and rescue operations.

The House of Representatives, following a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Rt Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA) representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, has squarely blamed the deplorable condition of the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko Road and weak enforcement of safety standards for the recurring tanker explosions and fatal accidents in Niger State. Abdullahi expressed deep grief over the Essa Village incident, noting it was one of many such disasters on the route in recent months, leading to persistent loss of lives and livelihoods and eroding public confidence in road safety. He highlighted that despite successive administrations awarding multiple contracts for its rehabilitation, the road has remained in a dilapidated state for decades. Concerns were also raised about the Federal Government’s recent cancellation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s intervention on roads, which has thrown the rehabilitation of this vital highway into uncertainty.

In response, the House adopted the motion, urging the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately mobilize resources and contractors for the full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko Road, particularly the sections between Bida and Agaie. Furthermore, the House mandated the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations, ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency response protocols. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was called upon to provide relief materials and medical support to affected victims and families. Legislative oversight will continue, with House Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance tasked with assessing the road and reviewing previous contractual arrangements within two weeks.

Condolences have poured in from various quarters. Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, extended his sympathies to Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, describing the incident as worrisome and heartbreaking. He emphasized that such tragedies serve as painful reminders of the urgent need for stricter safety measures on Nigerian roads. Similarly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), through its Chairman Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed profound sadness, sending condolences to the people and government of Niger State and commending emergency responders. The NGF chairman underscored the critical importance of safety issues in the storage and transportation of combustible items.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) also conveyed its sorrow, with its National Executive President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, describing the event as devastating and avoidable. Comrade Farouk Kawo, Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers Association and NUPENG National Ex-Officio, lamented that over 30 tanker accidents had been recorded along the Bida–Agaie route in October alone, attributing the high frequency of crashes to the poor state of the road. NUPENG expressed ongoing concern over the public's dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident scenes despite continuous warnings and educational efforts with safety agencies. Reaffirming its commitment to a safer transportation ecosystem, NUPENG urged all Nigerians to prioritize safety and vigilance and called for immediate and sustained action to address the deteriorating state of key roadways across the nation.