Sat Jan 18 17:41:43 UTC 2025: ## Dozens Killed in Nigeria Fuel Tanker Explosion Amid Soaring Fuel Prices
**Abuja, Nigeria** – At least 60 people have died and many more are injured following a fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Niger State, Nigeria. The death toll is expected to rise. The incident occurred after a tanker overturned, prompting residents, desperate amid soaring fuel prices, to rush and collect spilled petrol. The resulting fire engulfed a second tanker, leaving many victims unrecognizable.
Sector Commander Kumar Tsukwam of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the tragedy, stating that firefighters have extinguished the blaze and that cleanup efforts are underway. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago described the event as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate.”
This latest incident highlights a growing problem in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, where such accidents have become tragically common. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 by President Bola Tinubu has led to a more than 400% increase in petrol prices, pushing many Nigerians to take dangerous risks to acquire affordable fuel.
Similar incidents have occurred previously, including an October 2024 explosion in Jigawa State that killed over 150 people and injured 100 more, and a September 2024 incident in Niger State that claimed 59 lives. Following the October tragedy, President Tinubu pledged to improve fuel transportation safety protocols and strengthen enforcement of safety regulations. Authorities are also working to combat oil theft. Despite these efforts, the dire economic situation and lack of affordable fuel continue to fuel these deadly incidents.
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