…Governor Bago Expresses Deep Sadness
The Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of 48 lives and an undisclosed number of cattle in a tanker accident that occurred along the Agaie road in the early hours of Sunday.
The accident happened about 2 kilometers from Dendo community in Agaie Local Government Area when a petrol tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) collided with a trailer truck carrying suspected cattle dealers and their livestock.
The trailer, which was transporting the passengers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, to Lagos, was severely impacted by the collision, causing a fire outbreak that engulfed both vehicles.
According to eyewitnesses, two other vehicles—a crane truck and a pickup van—were also caught in the inferno, which spread rapidly, destroying nearby properties and leaving a scene of devastation.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with the Agaie Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), but they were unable to save those trapped in the blaze.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) was also dispatched but arrived too late to make a meaningful impact.
Due to the severely charred condition of the victims’ bodies, mass burial was conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, as identification of the deceased was nearly impossible.
Governor Bago, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressed his deep pain over the tragic incident and the massive loss of lives and property.
He extended his sympathies to those who suffered losses and urged the families of the deceased to accept the tragedy as an act of destiny.
“The state government, through NSEMA and other relevant agencies, was mobilized to the scene, but unfortunately, little could be salvaged from the wreckage,” the governor said.
While appealing for calm among residents, Governor Bago prayed for Allah to grant repose to the souls of the departed and a swift recovery to those who sustained injuries.
