In response to the devastating petrol tanker fire disaster at Dikko Junction, Niger State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has swiftly distributed food, non-food items, and medical supplies to support the victims and affected families.
The agency announced the relief efforts in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 21.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning along the Dikko-Maje Road, opposite Baddegi Station.
Reports indicate that the explosion was triggered when a crashed tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), spilled its contents during an attempt to transfer the fuel to another tanker.
The spilled fuel then came into contact with a generator used to power the transfer, igniting the explosion.
The disaster claimed the lives of 98 individuals, injured 69 others, and destroyed 20 shops in the vicinity.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, visited the affected community and flagged off the distribution of relief materials. She explained that the intervention was in response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the Federal Government’s commitment to helping the community recover from the devastating event.
“We are here to provide immediate assistance with food, non-food items, and medicaments to the affected families, based on the report of the initial rapid assessment carried out by NEMA officials, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and other first responders,” Mrs Umar stated.
While offering her condolences, Mrs Umar assured that NEMA would continue to coordinate efforts to aid the community’s recovery. She also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and proactive measures to protect lives and property.
The NEMA DG praised the swift response of first responders, including the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, firefighters, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, medical teams, security operatives, and local community members, whose timely actions helped save lives and reduce the severity of the disaster.
The Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt response, while the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar, and community leaders also acknowledged the support.
NEMA’s relief efforts highlight the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities and ensuring swift recovery operations following major incidents.
