From John Adams, Minna
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has disclosed that over 140 lives were lost to petrol tanker explosions in the state between 2024 and 2025 alone; a development he attributed to bad roads.
Briefing journalists in Minna yesterday on the activities of the agency in the state within the period under review, the Director General of the agency, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah said in September 2024, a tanker explosion in Agaie, Agaie Local Government Area of the state claimed 60 lives, leaving eight others injured.
A similar tanker explosion in Dikko Junction along Kaduna-Abuja Highway also left 80 people dead and 70 people injured.
He stated that in line with the agency’s mandate, it has continued to respond promptly and effectively to various emergencies across the state, pointing out that apart from the tanker explosions, the agency had equally carried out some other critical interventions.
Some of the interventions, according to him, include the assessment and coordinated response activities during the Sabon Pegi explosion in Borgu Local Government Area of the state, which claimed two lives and destroyed several houses. He added: “The state government responded by providing relief materials, including cash assistance to the affected persons.”
He said others were the launch of the annual flood sensitisation campaign in anticipation of this year’s rainy season and early warning across the eight emirate councils of the state.
“These efforts were aimed at increasing public awareness, encouraging preparedness and reducing flood risks in vulnerable communities through community engagements and the distribution of educational materials.
“NSEMA has continued to provide relief assistance to victims of both residential and commercial fire outbreaks across various parts of the state. These interventions also included the distribution of cash assistance, as well as assessments to determine long-term needs of affected persons.”
Most recent intervention by NSEMA was the coordination of emergency response efforts after the devastating flood in Mokwa, which left 207 people dead and thousands displaced. He stressed that, “The agency mobilised resources, deployed response teams and collaborated with local government authorities and humanitarian partners to provide relief materials and temporary shelter for displaced persons.
“NSEMA has also conducted rapid assessments in flood affected communities such as Kpautagi, Jaagi, Bida and Katcha.
“NSEMA is monitoring the humanitarian crisis brewing in Rijau and other parts of the state as a result of armed banditry, which has suddenly resurfaced in these areas,” he added.
The agency, according to the Director General, commended the state governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, traditional institutions, community leaders, volunteers and humanitarian partners for their continued support in building a safer and more resilient state.
“The agency urged all residents to remain vigilant, comply with safety advisories and report emergencies promptly. NSEMA remains resolute in its mission to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters, while promoting risk reduction and resilience in all communities,” he submitted.