A devastating tanker explosion has claimed at least 24 lives and left 40 others injured along the Essa axis of the Agaie–Bida Road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident reportedly occurred after a petrol-laden tanker fell due to the deplorable state of the road around 11 a.m. near Essan village, about 4km from Badeggi town. Locals were said to have rushed to the scene to scoop fuel before the tanker exploded around 2 p.m., resulting in massive casualties.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Hajiya Aishatu Sa’adu, confirmed the explosion but said the final casualty figure was still being compiled. The poor road condition and heavy traffic reportedly delayed emergency response efforts.

According to the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, 24 bodies have been recovered while 40 people sustained severe burns. The injured have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment.

Farouk Mohammed Kawo, Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Association, Niger State Chapter, confirmed that the tanker was en route from Lagos to northern Nigeria before the accident. He lamented that over 30 tanker and trailer crashes have occurred on the same road this month alone, calling on Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to urgently rehabilitate the route to prevent further tragedies.

The Bida - Agaie - Lapai road has witnessed similar disasters in the past. In 2024, at least 48 people were burnt beyond recognition after a tanker collided with a truck conveying passengers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, victims were later given a mass burial in Lapai Local Government Area.