22/10/2025
PRESS RELEASE
NIGER STATE TANKER EXPLOSION: "DESIST FROM SCOOPING FUEL FROM TANKERS" - MHADM, NIGER STATE
The Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has received with great shock and pains the news of the unfortunate but avoidable deaths of many people as a result of tanker explosion in the state.
The catastrophic, gory and horrific incident occurred by 11 in the morning of Tuesday 21st October, 2025 sequel to an accident by a tanker laden with petroleum product at Essa Community in Katcha LGA which spilled its contents and the youths in the area rushed to scoop the petrol without fore knowledge of the dangers involved in their actions.
It is sad to state that as many as 30 to 40 youths were burnt beyond recognition while others who received various degrees of injuries were rushed to hospitals as directed by the Niger State Government. This accident and unnecessary loss of lives make it the second of its type in the state this year with the first which occurred in Tafa LGA and both attributed to deplorable conditions of federal roads in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Barrister Mairo Mohammed Mann while consoling the good people of Essa community in Katcha Local Government and the entire good people of Niger state urged all critical stakeholders in disaster management to increase sentisation and awareness campaigns to various communities and youth groups in the state to desist from scooping fuel from accident tankers to avoid future occurrence. Mann added that the Ministry will intensify its sensitization efforts during this embers months. Already officials of the Ministry and that of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency has since been drafted to the scene for professional post disaster management and disaster risk reduction activities to curb the emergence of communicable diseases due to the accident.
May the gentle souls of the deceased rest in perfect peace and their shortcomings be forgiven. Amen
E-Signed
Habibu A Wushishi
Director Media and Strategy, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Niger State.
21st October, 2025.