By correspondent in Minna
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of 48 lives and an unspecified number of cattle in a tanker accident early Sunday morning along Agaie road.
The incident occurred on the Lapai-Agaie road, about 2 kilometers from Dendo community in Agaie Local Government Area.
Sources said apetrol tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a trailer truck traveling in the opposite direction collided.
Our correspondent gathered that the he trailer, with cattle and passengers from Wudil in Kano State to Lagos, was severely affected by the crash, leading to a fire outbreak.
The fire quickly spread to two other vehicles—a crane truck and a pickup—resulting in widespread destruction of nearby properties.
Rescue efforts by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and Agaie Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs) were promptly initiated but proved insufficient.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) also arrived at the scene too late to conduct effective search and recovery operations.
Due to the severe condition of the victims’ bodies, mass burial was conducted according to Islamic rites, as many were burned beyond recognition.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago expressed profound sadness over the incident and the extensive loss of lives and property.
He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and urged residents to accept the tragedy as an act of destiny.
The Governor confirmed that the state government, through NSEMA and other relevant organizations, was mobilized for the rescue operation but was unable to recover much.
He called for calm and offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and the recovery of the injured.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
