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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that about 35 people lost their lives in a tanker inferno that occurred along the Bida–Lapai route, after Badegi, Niger State.
Its Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement yesterday, said the explosion, which resulted from a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker, also injured 46 people with varying degrees of injuries.
Ogungbemide appealed to the motoring public and residents along major highways to report any crash involving tankers or other hazardous materials immediately through the FRSC toll-free emergency number 122, rather than taking actions that lead to avoidable loss of lives.
According to him, the FRSC Rescue Team was deployed to the scene for emergency rescue, adding that the crash occurred at about 12:15 p.m. when a tanker laden with fuel lost control due to the bad stretch of the road and overturned.
He said: “FRSC expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of 35 lives in an inferno that occurred along the Bida–Lapai route, after Badegi, today, Tuesday 21 October 2025. The unfortunate victims were caught in the fire explosion while attempting to scoop fuel from a crashed tanker.
“Moments after the crash, residents of the area reportedly trooped to the scene to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker. Tragedy struck when the volatile substance ignited, resulting in an inferno that consumed 35 victims and destroyed properties.
“The FRSC rescue team, led by the Unit Head of Operations, responded swiftly to the distress call, arriving at the scene in conjunction with Niger State Fire Service, Bida Division, to battle the raging flames and rescue survivors for urgent medical attention.”
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While commiserating with the victims and their families, he described the incident as “a needless national tragedy born out of ignorance, greed, and disregard for safety warnings.”
He reiterated that scooping fuel from fallen tankers or tampering with crash scenes amounts to inviting death with open arms, as such volatile materials are highly flammable and unpredictable.
“This is not just a crash; it is a painful reminder that every time people ignore safety advice and rush to scoop petrol, they gamble with their lives. No litre of fuel is worth a human life,” he stated.
He further directed all FRSC formations nationwide to intensify community-based sensitisation, particularly in rural and high-risk areas, to warn residents against approaching or tampering with fuel-laden crash sites.
He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local authorities to join hands with the Corps in educating communities on the deadly consequences of fuel scooping.
“You may recall that high fatalities recorded in 2024 were as a result of scooping while primary crashes never claimed any lives.
“The Corps remains committed to ensuring safer road environments and preventing tragedies of this nature through sustained public enlightenment, enforcement, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders,” he added.
