TodayPrice

Category: Tragedy

  • Gunmen invade Lagos community, kill 2, injure scores

    Gunmen invade Lagos community, kill 2, injure scores

    Lagos—Gunmen have invaded Ijegun Egba community, in Ori Ade Local Government area of Lagos State, leaving two persons dead and several others injured.

    The identities of the deceased were given as Gbenga Areagbo, a 40-year-old man who had been living with sickle cell, and Oladapo Olukoya.

    The gunmen, who stormed the area on Tuesday shooting sporadically, reportedly left with the bodies of the dead.

    Residents of the community, who now live in fear, said the invaders came from the other side of the riverine area.

    Some thugs stormed the jetty at Ijegun Egba, dispossessing people of their valuables and cash. Explaining, one of the residents, Kudus Fadiku, alleged that “The thugs were from Ibasa. Last Thursday, they attacked one Wasiu Ademola from our community, inflicting injuries on him. They wanted to take him to Ibasa through the river, but Wasiu told them he was not from our community.”The matter, according to another resident who simply identified himself as Kazeem, was reported.

    at the Satellite Town Police division.

    But barely three days after the attack on Wasiu, he said, “The armed men came again on Friday to Zone 2 area of the town and started harassing people. They were trying to identify members of our community. They had someone who identified members of our community among the crowd. They robbed both residents and passersby in the area when they did not see any of their targets.”

    One of the community leaders, Saeed Ayinde, said the killing had also been reported at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos.

    He explained that “The hoodlums came in three vehicles and motorcycles, brandishing guns and cutlasses. I was sitting with one of his friends, Lateef Arowolo, at Ade Oshodi junction in Ijegun Egba, when the hoodlums invaded the area with arms and ammunition. They asked one of our young men if he was Lateef; he shook his head, and they shot him at very close range and also used axes to cut him. They went away with the bodies through the jetty
    The court had adjourned the case till March 26, 2025, for further proceedings.

  • Catholic Church urges government to act on safety after Zamfara fire tragedy

    Catholic Church urges government to act on safety after Zamfara fire tragedy

    ABUJA — The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has called on the government to enforce stricter safety regulations following a devastating fire at an Islamic school in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, which claimed the lives of 17 children and left several others injured.

    Describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritize safety, the CSN expressed profound sorrow over the loss of young lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Zamfara State, and the Islamic community.

    In a joint statement by its Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, and Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, the Secretariat also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

    The Catholic Church criticized the poor state of emergency response in the country, highlighting the lack of functional and adequately equipped fire services. It urged the government to take immediate steps to improve safety measures and emergency response capabilities.

    “The loss of these young lives resonates across the nation, and we share in the grief of their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of unimaginable pain. We pray for God’s comfort and strength to sustain them,” the statement read.

    The CSN emphasized that the sanctity of human life must be protected at all costs. It called for the immediate implementation of stronger safety measures in schools and public spaces to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

    “It is disheartening that many preventable deaths occur due to inadequate safety standards and ineffective

    emergency response systems. The government must act decisively to protect lives and prevent further incidents,” the statement urged.

    The Church concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the young victims and encouraged the government to prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians.

    “May the souls of these young ones, whose lives were cut short so tragically, rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

  • Obasanjo’s ADC Major General Jemitola slumps, dies at IBB Golf Club

    Obasanjo’s ADC Major General Jemitola slumps, dies at IBB Golf Club

    Former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Major General Christopher Jemitola on Thursday slumped at the IBB Golf Course in Abuja and died.

    Sources close to his family confirmed that he was quickly rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.

    The late General was at several times, the Corp Commander Nigerian Army Signals, Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to Brazil and Director of Army Public Relations.

    Jemitola who hailed from Ososo in Akoko Edo Local government area of Edo State served as Obasanjo’s ADC from 2003 to 2007 while he was still a colonel.

    He later became the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) in the Nigerian Army before his retirement.

  • Ogun Automobile Technicians protest killing of three members

    Ogun Automobile Technicians protest killing of three members

    Members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) at Ajebo Mechanic Village in Ogun State staged a protest on Thursday following the killing of three of their members by a truck driver on Wednesday evening around Kemta, Abeokuta.

    The technicians blocked the newly constructed Ajebo/OGTV expressway and vowed to prevent truck drivers from using the road until concrete measures are taken to address the recurring loss of lives due to the alleged recklessness of the truck drivers.

    According to the technicians, at least five lives have been lost between December 2024 and the first week of February 2025, all allegedly due to the reckless driving of truck drivers on the road.

    Comrade Saheed Arulogun, Chairman of the Ajebo Mechanic Village unit of NATA, spoke with the press, expressing the technicians’ frustration and sadness over the senseless killings and the reckless behavior of the truck drivers.

    “We are out today to express our sadness and frustration over these truck drivers who have continued to cause avoidable loss of lives on the Ajebo/OGTV road,” Arulogun said. “Last night, at about 6:30 p.m., one of the truck drivers ran over three of our members who were on motorcycles heading home after work. The accident occurred around Kemta, and that was the end of these precious souls.”

    Arulogun highlighted several previous incidents, including the killing of a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre on December 27 and another fatality in January. “We are tired of these senseless killings,” he said. “These are human beings, breadwinners in their homes. This must not be allowed to continue.”

    The NATA Chairman also pointed out the truck drivers’ disregard for other road users, claiming that they often park in the middle of the road, causing unnecessary obstruction. “We have observed that many of these truck drivers are on drugs, so they behave as they like on the road,” he added. “They care less about other road users and have no safety orientation.”

    Arulogun called on the government to take action, saying, “The government must not allow them to continue to plunge people into unimaginable sorrow. The government must be ready to wield its big stick on any of them found wanting.”

    He suggested that the government restrict the movement of trucks to nighttime, as was done during the tenure of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. He also urged the state government to arrange a meeting between technicians and truck owners to find a lasting solution to the issue.

    Comrade Rabiu Nurudeen, Chairman of the Motor Spare Parts and Engine Oil Sellers in the Mechanic Village, also appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and address the situation. “We are all tired of these terrible killings by truck drivers. These drivers are reckless, intimidate other road users, and feel they are above the law,” Nurudeen said. “The government must intervene and call the truck drivers to order. The government should also help fix the bad section of the road around Kemta, which could be contributing to these accidents.”

  • Benue: Local hunters, armed herdsmen clash claims 3 lives in Otukpo

    Benue: Local hunters, armed herdsmen clash claims 3 lives in Otukpo

    At least three persons have reportedly lost their lives while several others sustained injuries during a bloody clash between suspected armed herdsmen and local hunters at Okpomaju village of Okete Ward in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

    The crisis has also forced women and children to flee from the affected communities for fear of being killed by the rampaging herdsmen.

    According to a source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity, the incident which happened yesterday during a hunting expedition in the community claimed the lives of two hunters and a herder.

    According to him, “the armed herders who were relatively new in Okpomaju community, saw the hunters in the bush and mistook them for enemies and opened fire on them killing two on the spot while several others sustained varying degrees of injury.

    “The news of the incident filtered into the community and their was pandemonium. The people particularly women and children stated fleeing for safety to neigbouring communities.

    “Even in Ugboju District, also in Otukpo LGA, farmers in Akpachi, Oboh and neighbouring communities have abandoned their farms for fear of being killed by the herdsmen who are intimidating them with gunshots.”

    One of the farmers, Sunday Oga who spoke to reporters in tears said he was chased from his farm by a herder who was carrying a gun and a machete leaving his harvested yams and other farm produce at the mercy of his grazing cattle.

    Also, one of the hunters in Okpomaju who narrowly escaped death said “we were out on our usual hunting exercise when we encountered a hostile group of Fulani herdsmen who opened fire at us immediately they sited us, causing fatal injuries on some of us.

    “Expectedly, we fired back and felled one of them while others started retreating. But we lost two of our colleagues while another who was hit at the belly was rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital Otukpo for medical attention.”

    When contacted, the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye who confirmed the incident said he had scheduled a meeting with the leader of the herdsmen to find solution to the crisis.

    The Royal Fathers denied allegation that the herdsmen became emboldened because they paid monies to the Chiefs and locals for grazing land in the area.

    The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Mr Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident. He said measures had been put in place to prevent a reoccurence.

    According to him, some of the measures included the resolve of the leaders of the herdsmen to fish out any of their kinsmen on a mission to instigate crisis in the area.

    He said: “They also promised to forge harmonious relationship with the Otukpo people because most of them were born and brought up in Otukpo.”

    Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive reports on the incident.

  • Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka, found dead on 2nd Niger Bridge

    Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka, found dead on 2nd Niger Bridge

    A combined security team has discovered the decomposing body of a member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, on the 2nd Niger Bridge.

    Azuka was taken captive on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunabankpa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha.

    He was representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra assembly.

    After weeks of investigation, security operatives from Abuja apprehended the suspects late Wednesday. The arrested individuals led authorities to the location where they dumped the lawmaker’s remains.

    Spokesman of the Anambra Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said he would reveal details to the public soon.

    In 2022, a member of Anambra House of Assembly, Okey Okoye, popularly known as Okey Di Ok, was abducted and beheaded.

    His body was later found around the Nnobi axis of the state.

  • Fire kills 17 Almajirai in Zamfara school

    Fire kills 17 Almajirai in Zamfara school

    Zamfara—A fire outbreak has claimed the lives of 17 Almajiri in Malam Aliyu Na Malam Muhammadu Ghali Qur‘anic School in Kaura Namoda, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    Thi came as President Bola Tinubu has enjoined all public and private schools to prioritise the safety and security of children.

    Chairman, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of the state, Mannir Haidara confirmed the incident in Gusau, yesterday.

    Haidara said the incident occurred late on Tuesday night.
    “Yes, the fire outbreak lasted for hours and claimed lives of 17 Almajiri children while other 17 victims were injured,” he said.

    According to the Haidara, all the 17 victims have been buried in Kaura Namoda town, yesterday.
    “We directed urgent medical treatment for the 17 injured children who are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

    “We have set up a committee to investigate the cause of the outbreak and level of damage,” he said.
    Haidara prayed Allah to forgive the deceased children, grant them Aljannah and give their families the fortitude to accept the great loss.

    Tinubu enjoins school proprietors to prioritise children’s safety, security
    The President has sent heartfelt condolences to parents, guardians, and families who lost their loved ones in a fire outbreak.

    President Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the state government and owners of the school and prays for the quick recovery of those receiving medical attention.

    According to the statement, “The President enjoins all public and private schools to prioritise children’s safety and security at all times and directs regulatory authorities in the education sector to ensure compliance with safety standards.

    “The President prays that God Almighty will grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and comfort to their loved ones.”

  • Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, dies at 35

    Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, dies at 35

    Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, has passed away at the age of 35.

    Her colleague, Emeka Okoye, announced the development in an Instagram post on Wednesday along with a funeral poster detailing her funeral arrangements.

    “Rest in peace sis. Pat Ugwu. @patpat_ugwu so we no get to work again? Death whyooo? God please. Rest in peace PAT. May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” Emeka wrote, expressing his grief.

    He also voiced his fears over the recent spate of losses in the industry, saying, “God please protect all my colleagues especially those am close to. This unusual Death is frightening. I proclaim life to everyone close to me this 2025 in the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”

    The cause of her death was not immediately clear.

    Several Nollywood stars, including Rita Edochie, Destiny Etiko, Nkechi Blessing and Kevin Mike, also reacted to the tragic news.
    Destiny Etiko wrote in the comment section, “Jesus noooooo.”

    Mike wrote on Instagram, “Chai, just woke up this morning to hear the death of one of our crew and casts @patpat_ugwu. Rest in peace dear.”

    Pat, who lost her father in 2021, will be buried on February 7, 2025.

  • Reckless truck driver maims LASTMA officer in Lagos

    Reckless truck driver maims LASTMA officer in Lagos

    Tragedy struck at the Ojodu Berger axis of Lagos State on Tuesday when an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, was crushed and maimed by a reckless truck driver when he lost control of the vehicle in motion.

    The driver of the fully loaded trailer driver with registration number Bauchi State, KTG 33 ZZ, was said to be at excessive speed when he suddenly lost control, culminating in a devastating accident at the axis.

    The tragic incident transpired while the LASTMA officer was resuming his afternoon duty shift, underscoring the perilous consequences of careless driving on public roads.

    Preliminary investigations, however, revealed that the ill-fated trailer was coming from Agidingbi by Oba Ogunji Road en route to Omole Junction in the Ogba corridor when the driver, while on alarmingly high velocity, lost control of the vehicle, crushing the officer.

    The sheer impact of the crash inflicted severe trauma on the LASTMA officer, leading to a grievous fracture of his right leg and hand.

    The victim was immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, for treatment.

    The culpable trailer driver absconded from the scene in a brazen attempt to evade justice.

    However, he was swiftly apprehended by security operatives from Ojodu Police Station, working in collaboration with vigilant LASTMA officials.

    Reacting to the tragic occurrence, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, promptly visited the hospitalized officer at LASUTH,

    “Upon emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of LASUTH, attending specialists determined that the extent of the injuries necessitated an immediate amputation of his right leg,” Bakare-Oki stated

    The LASTMA boss vehemently condemned the incident and lamented that such a calamity could have been averted had the driver exercised due diligence and adhered to fundamental road safety protocols.

    He admonished trailer and truck operators, along with all motorists, to uphold the utmost sense of safety consciousness, stressing the inestimable value of human life.

    “LASTMA officers are not adversaries to motorists; rather, they are dedicated to ensuring that traffic flows seamlessly, fostering economic growth and urban efficiency in Lagos State in the process,” he asserted.

    Expressing profound sympathy, Bakare-Oki extended his sincerest wishes for the officer’s swift recovery while reaffirming LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring orderliness on Lagos highways.

    He assured the government would ensure that the patient received all necessary medical attention for full recovery. ” The Government will not abandon you; we are with you throughout this difficult period.”

  • Tanker Explosions: A Nation That Kills Her Own

    Tanker Explosions: A Nation That Kills Her Own

    I grew into adulthood in the late 1980s while schooling at the then-prestigious Kafanchan Teachers College. I can unequivocally state that throughout the early to late 1980s, Nigeria was relatively a happy place to live. Sophisticated crimes like terrorism, kidnappings, and extreme cases of murder that have now engulfed our nation were practically non-existent.

    As students in a government-sponsored school, we enjoyed subsidies from the state. Boarding students were guaranteed three quality meals per day. As a day student, I occasionally joined the feasting in the refectory of TC Kafanchan, thanks to the sheer quality and taste of the meals. The school boasted top-tier sports facilities, including a standard football field, track and field provisions, and a skilled physical education tutor.

    Teachers at TC Kafanchan were well-catered for, with government-provided housing within the school premises. Youth Corps members assigned to the school lived comfortably in quarters that resembled royal accommodations. One such Corps member, Jahman Anikulapo, who later became a senior editor at The Guardian newspaper and a renowned arts and culture expert, exemplifies the brilliance fostered in that environment.

    However, despite these highlights, there were areas of concern, such as the lack of empathy displayed by ex-soldiers manning the school gates and the dehumanizing practice of public flogging of students.

    The Nigeria of that era, however imperfect, was one where the state genuinely cared for its citizens. Crimes were minimal, roads were maintained, hospitals functioned efficiently, and water supply was available 24/7. I can state without hesitation that I, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko—Ichie Ana Egbu Achara Yana Epuchi 1 of Arondizuogu—enjoyed Nigeria when it was good.

    Today, I am a sad man writing this piece. My two beautiful children belong to a generation of Nigerians who did not witness the golden era of this nation. Instead, they are growing up in a country riddled with crimes, poor governance, and systemic failure. Governments at all levels are teeming with individuals whose mercantilist, capitalist, and selfish motives overshadow any genuine concern for the welfare of Nigerians.

    Our current government is led by some people who could not even articulate where they attended primary and post-primary schools. Allegations of involvement in drug-related crimes and judicial penalties abroad further mar the credibility of leadership. Several state governors and legislators hold dubious academic credentials.

    The state of the nation is dire. Kidnappings, road accidents, and crimes occur with alarming frequency. Travellers now fear for their lives on dilapidated roads that have become death traps. Adding to this tragedy is the increasing frequency of tanker explosions, which have claimed countless lives and caused immeasurable destruction.

    One devastating tanker explosion occurred on the East-West Road in Rivers State on April 26, 2024. At least five people lost their lives, and over 120 vehicles were destroyed. The explosion was triggered when a tanker navigating the dilapidated road was struck by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames and a massive inferno.

    In Ore, Ondo State, a petrol tanker explosion on July 24, 2023, claimed the lives of 20 people, including a pregnant woman and three children. The tragedy occurred when a tanker spilled its contents, and people, driven by desperation, rushed to scoop fuel despite warnings. A similar incident in Ore claimed eight more lives after a tanker lost control due to over speeding.

    On January 5, 2025, another fuel tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State, killed at least five people and caused widespread damage. Once again, the tragedy was tied to poor road conditions and the desperation of individuals risking their lives to scoop fuel.

    These heartbreaking incidents underscore a recurring theme: a government that neglects its responsibilities and citizens driven to take life-threatening risks just to survive. This is a nation that appears to be killing its own, not just through negligence but also through systemic failures that perpetuate poverty, desperation, and despair.

    The time has come to reflect and act decisively to address these tragic occurrences. Our roads must be repaired, tanker safety protocols enforced, and citizens equipped with better opportunities to earn a livelihood without endangering their lives. A nation that kills her own cannot thrive—it is a country heading toward self-destruction.

    The explosion engulfed nearby structures in flames, causing residents to flee in panic. Emergency responders were expected to begin rescue operations, but the extent of the damage remained unclear.

    The incident resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with an unknown number of injuries or additional damage. This tragic event left the community in Agbor, Delta State, in shock and mourning.

    A devastating tanker explosion occurred in Majiya village, Jigawa State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, claiming 109 lives and injuring 54 others. The incident occurred when a petroleum tanker fell, spilling its contents. Tragically, villagers who attempted to scoop the spilled fuel became victims of a deadly explosion.

    The victims were given a mass burial, with 107 bodies laid to rest. Thousands of mourners, including government officials, political leaders, and traditional rulers, attended the solemn event. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to lead a delegation to Jigawa State to assess the situation and provide necessary aid.

    The incident elicited widespread condolences from top government officials, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several governors. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, also directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the incident.

    Another tanker explosion occurred in Suleja, Niger State, on January 20, 2025, resulting in 98 fatalities and leaving 69 people injured.

    In response, President Tinubu ordered the immediate transfer of victims to tertiary medical centres for better care. As part of the emergency measures, 20 victims were admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja, while two others were transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi.

    The Niger State Government expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt response to the incident. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation has pledged to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.

    However, it is disheartening that the Federal Government lacks a coherent strategy to prevent and address these recurring tanker explosions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy have been criticized for their frequent travels abroad while critical domestic issues remain unresolved. Similarly, state governors appear to lack proactive strategies to tackle the negligence and recklessness of fuel tanker owners.

    To address the issue, my organization, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has outlined several recommendations as a panacea for these frequent fuel tanker explosions.

    In a media statement titled “HURIWA Urges Federal Government to Take Steps to End Epidemic of Fuel Tanker Explosions,” the following measures were suggested:

    Owners of fuel tankers must be compelled by the Federal Government to take out life insurance policies to cover potential victims of fuel tanker explosions. They should also be held accountable for circumstances leading to such disasters.

    State governments across Nigeria should carry out free quality control tests on all heavy vehicles transporting fuel into their states to ensure they are in proper working condition.

    The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, along with its state counterparts, must aggressively educate and enlighten citizens about the dangers of scooping fuel spilled on highways. The National Orientation Agency and other public enlightenment agencies should launch campaigns to prevent these tragedies.

    The Federal Fire Service and state fire departments must provide regular capacity-building training for fuel tanker drivers. Additionally, agencies like the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) should conduct strict oversight to ensure that fuel tankers and heavy-duty vehicles are roadworthy.

    The government must invest in building functional road infrastructure and enforce laws banning fuel tankers from driving through densely populated areas. If possible, fuel tankers should only be allowed to ply roads at night.

    The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should prioritize building and maintaining fuel pipelines to ensure seamless and safer transportation of petroleum products. Law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and the police, must be tasked with safeguarding these pipelines to prevent theft and vandalism.

    HURIWA’s media statement highlighted the need for urgent action, noting that the repeated occurrence of these preventable tragedies is unacceptable. The lives lost in these explosions represent not just statistics but families and communities left devastated. It is high time for the government and relevant agencies to wake up from their inertia and prioritize the safety and welfare of Nigerians.

    “HURIWA considers the lack of any institutional response mechanisms by the government of Nigeria to address the disturbing trend of fuel tanker explosions in the country, which have had devastating consequences, as irresponsible, despicable, and intolerable. We believe that a government that upholds the principles of accountability and transparency as the cornerstone of governance would have implemented strategic and workable measures to stem the rising tide of fuel tanker explosions.

    “The mass killings of Nigerian citizens through these avoidable logistical mistakes by fuel tanker owners and the poor regulatory frameworks on the part of the government to hold these owners accountable for their carelessness have combined to perpetuate these intolerable fuel tanker explosions. These accidents must be addressed and minimized without further delay, as these explosions, which result in several casualties, are crimes against humanity.

    Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria

    (HURIWA), who endorsed the media statement, lamented that over 1,000 citizens have been burned to their gruesome deaths as a direct result of these numerous fuel tanker explosions.

    HURIWA recalled a devastating tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night, April 26, 2024, killing at least five people and destroying over 120 vehicles. The incident happened along the Eleme axis of the road. Reports suggest that the tragedy was triggered when a tanker, navigating the dilapidated road, was hit by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames and an explosion.

    The ensuing inferno engulfed multiple vehicles on the road, trapping some occupants who were unable to escape the fire. Videos and witness accounts shared on social media paint a harrowing picture, with distraught voices decrying the massive destruction.

    The explosion and resulting fire caused widespread destruction, with 120 vehicles burned. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirmed the incident.

    A petrol tanker explosion occurred in Ore, Ondo State, on July 24, 2023, killing 20 persons, including a pregnant woman and three children. The incident occurred when a tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road, with people rushing to scoop fuel despite warnings.

    Another tanker explosion occurred in Ore, Ondo State, on a Sunday evening (exact date not specified), killing eight people who were scooping fuel from the fallen tanker. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker lost control due to over speeding.

    Both incidents highlight the risks and consequences of tanker explosions in Nigeria, often caused by human error, poor road conditions, or the actions of people scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

    A fuel tanker explosion occurred in Agbor, Delta State, on January 5, 2025, killing at least five people and causing widespread damage. The tanker, carrying petrol, lost control and exploded.

    The explosion engulfed nearby structures in flames, causing residents to flee in panic. Emergency responders were expected to begin rescue operations, but the extent of the damage was still unclear.

    The incident resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with an unknown number of injuries or additional damage. The explosion was a tragic event that deeply affected the community in Agbor, Delta State.

    A devastating tanker explosion occurred in Majiya village, Jigawa State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, resulting in the loss of 109 lives and injuring 54 others. The incident occurred when a petroleum tanker fell and spilled its contents, which were then scooped up by villagers, leading to the explosion.

    The victims were given a mass burial, with 107 bodies laid to rest. Thousands attended the burial, including government officials, political leaders, and traditional rulers. President Bola Tinubu directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to lead a delegation to Jigawa State to assess the situation and provide aid.

    The incident has sparked widespread condolences and sympathies from top government officials, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and various governors. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the incident.

    A tanker explosion occurred in Suleja, Niger State, on January 20, 2025, resulting in the death toll rising to 98 and injuring 69.

    In response, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate transfer of victims to tertiary medical centers for better care. Consequently, 20 victims were admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja, while two additional victims were transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi.

    The Niger State Government has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt response to the incident. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

    Onwubiko is National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)