A fuel tanker explosion in Delta State on January 5, 2025, killed at least five people and caused widespread damage. The fire destroyed buildings in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. This tragedy follows similar incidents amid Nigeria’s economic crisis, with soaring petrol prices and inflation.
A tragic tanker explosion occurred on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, leading to the deaths of at least five people. The tanker, which was carrying petrol, lost control and exploded, causing widespread devastation. Flames engulfed both the tanker and nearby structures, as residents fled in panic, captured in viral videos.
Emergency responders are expected to begin rescue operations, but the extent of the damage is still unclear. This explosion follows a series of similar incidents, including the deadly October 2024 blast in Jigawa State that claimed over 170 lives.
Such explosions have become more frequent as fuel shortages continue to plague Nigeria, exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis. Petrol prices have surged over five times since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration began in May 2023, with inflation remaining above 30%. Many Nigerians are struggling to access gasoline, and the poverty rate has sharply increased, with over half the population now living below the poverty line.
Tanker explosions have been a persistent issue, with the most recent one in Jigawa State, which also resulted in substantial casualties. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges surrounding fuel distribution and safety in Nigeria amidst the economic turmoil.
