A fuel tanker explosion occurred at Kusogbogi in Niger State's Agaie Local Government Area on January 27, 2025. The tanker, carrying 40,000 liters of petrol, overturned while overtaking. No casualties were reported, but the incident raises concerns about road safety following a deadly explosion in the state just a week earlier.
A fuel tanker carrying 40,000 liters of petrol exploded on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Kusogbogi, a boundary area between Agaie and Lapai Local Government Areas in Niger State. The incident occurred around 6 p.m., reportedly due to the driver losing control while attempting to overtake another truck.
This explosion follows a similar tragedy in Dikko, Gurara LGA, just a week earlier, which claimed at least 98 lives and left many injured. According to eyewitness Mallam Mahmud Abubakar, last week’s incident involved a tanker colliding with a stationary truck, while Monday’s explosion was attributed to overspeeding.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the latest accident. State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that the tanker registered as DKA 03 A and driven by Shamsudeen Dayabu from Katsina State, was en route from Lagos to Kaduna. Abiodun noted that quick action from authorities ensured the fire was contained, and the road, temporarily closed, was reopened to traffic shortly after.
The frequent tanker explosions in Niger State have raised concerns about road safety, with locals calling for stricter regulations on vehicle maintenance and speed limits for fuel-laden trucks. The state’s authorities have been urged to implement measures to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of road users.
