Death toll from Saturday’s fuel tanker explosion in Niger State has reached 98, with 69 injured and 20 shops razed.
On Monday, the Federal Government said victims still battling for life had been transferred to tertiary medical centres for enhanced care in life with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
The death toll, as of Sunday, was 86 with 55 injured.
Providing an update in a statement on Monday, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said, “More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured and 20 shops burnt.”
The PUNCH learnt that out of the 43 injured victims admitted at the General Hospital, Suleja, seven had died. Also, three injured patients out of the 23 admitted at the General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse, died.
In a statement on Monday by the media aide to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Federal Government said surviving but injured victims had been transferred for enhanced medical care.
The minister stated, “In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu for the swift transfer of victims of the Suleja fuel tanker explosion to tertiary medical centers for enhanced medical attention, 20 patients have been admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
“Similarly, two additional patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja. All the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centers to ensure seamless care.
“The Niger State Government has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt and effective response to this unfortunate incident.
“The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf; his Katsina State counterpart, Dikko Radda and the Arewa Consultative Forum expressed sorrow over the fire incident.
Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesman, Sanusi Bature, described the incident as a national tragedy.
“This heartbreaking event is a grim reminder of the fragility of human life and the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the bereaved and the Niger State government. We mourn with you and pray for Allah’s mercy on the departed souls and a speedy recovery for those who suffered varying degrees of injuries,” the statement read.
Radda, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, said “Every life lost in this horrific incident represents a family torn apart and communities left in mourning.
“Governor Radda further emphasised that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures and the need for joint vigilance to prevent such harsh incidents.”
The ACF, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, in Kaduna, on Monday, commiserated with the members of the Diko community, the Zazzau-Suleja Emirate and the government as well as the people of Niger State over the tragedy.
The northern body also reiterated its call for intensive public enlightenment on the dangers of rushing for inflammable substances at accident scenes.
“We are gravely saddened by the loss of lives, injuries, and property damage caused by the tanker explosion.
“We pray for divine succour to all those affected and for a quick recovery from the impact of the incident,” the statement read.
The ACF called on the government and relevant agencies to take proactive measures to prevent future occurrences and mitigate the impact of such incidents.