The death toll from the tanker explosion that occurred at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has increased by 10, bringing the total fatalities to a devastating number. Ten more individuals, who had been severely burned in the explosion, succumbed to their injuries, with seven passing away at the General Hospital in Suleja, and three others dying at the General Hospital in Sabon-Wuse.
Abdulberqy Ebbo, the Special Adviser to the Niger Governor on Digital Communications, shared the heartbreaking update on his social media platform. He detailed that 43 victims had been admitted to the General Hospital in Suleja, where seven died, 10 were referred for specialist care in Abuja, and 23 others remain under treatment for various degrees of burns.
At the General Hospital in Sabon-Wuse, 23 patients had been admitted following the explosion, with three fatalities. Despite the dire circumstances, 19 patients were discharged by their relatives against medical advice, and only one individual remains in critical condition, awaiting transfer to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
In response to the crisis, a specialized 18-person medical team led by the Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello, has been deployed to provide urgent care. The team also includes the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, and Dr. Murtala Bagana, the Special Adviser on Special Duties. Given the severity of the injuries, many victims have been referred for intensive care in tertiary healthcare facilities in Abuja.
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has ordered that all medical services for the victims be provided free of charge, along with a sufficient number of healthcare workers at all treatment sites.
