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Niger petrol tanker explosion death toll rises to 42

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  • Residents blame bad road

The death toll from the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 42, with over 60 others injured.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when the tanker overturned and exploded as residents were reportedly scooping fuel from the fallen vehicle.

Grieving residents blamed the poor condition of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road for the accident, urging both federal and state governments to urgently rehabilitate the highway to prevent further loss of lives.

According to a report from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the tanker lost control between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon due to the deteriorated state of the road, overturned, and exploded shortly after.

The explosion claimed the lives of 42 people, including nine males, 24 females, and nine children.

Over 60 others, comprising 20 males, seven females, and seven children, suffered varying degrees of burns.

Scene of the fire

Many of the victims were among those attempting to collect fuel from the tanker before it burst into flames.

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The injured have been evacuated to Essa Primary Health Care Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida for treatment.

Emergency responders from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), NEMA, and local volunteers were quickly mobilised to manage the rescue and maintain order.

Following complaints from residents who have yet to locate some of their loved ones, Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA Operations for Niger and Kwara States, confirmed that rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of reporting and assured that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

Residents expressed deep frustration over the state of the road. Ibrahim Gaawu, a community leader in Essa, described the highway as a “death trap” and called on the government to take immediate action.

“The tanker exploded instantly, killing 42 people and injuring many others. This road, built in 1923 and last reconstructed decades ago, is in a terrible condition despite the millions spent on it. We are pleading with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to urgently fix this road to prevent more tragedies,” Gaawu said.

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One yewitness, Surajo Mohammed, recounted how the explosion unfolded.

“Around midday, a petrol tanker overturned on the Bida–Agaie Road near Essa and Badeggi. People rushed with buckets and jerrycans to scoop fuel. The tanker driver became angry and reportedly set the tanker on fire, causing the explosion,” he said.

“Many people were trapped around the tanker and could not escape. So far, we have buried 28 victims, with more expected. We appreciate the quick response of the state government in evacuating the injured.”

Meanwhile, residents from Essa and neighboring communities continue to demand urgent rehabilitation of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, emphasizing its importance as one of the busiest yet most neglected routes in Niger State.

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Woman jumps into Lagos lagoon, rescued by boat operators

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A yet-to-be-identified woman has been rescued after reportedly jumping into the lagoon from the Idumota end of the Carter Bridge in Lagos state.

The incident, which reportedly drew the attention of passersby and local boat operators, occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby boat operators responded and brought the woman back to safety.

video circulating on social media showed the woman, seated in a rescue boat shortly after she was brought out of the water.

The footage, shared on X by a user identified as CHUKS, also showed people gathered on the bridge expressing concern about the woman’s condition.

Some bystanders could be heard appealing to the boat operators to ensure that she received appropriate care.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the woman’s identity and condition.

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Police seize truck-load of fake drug warehouses in Lagos, arrest two

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The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products and arrested two suspected members of a syndicate involved in the interstate and cross-border distribution of fake drugs.

Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,  disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the unit.

The police boss said the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at Number 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

According to the police commissioner, “The suspects, Eze Okwudilichukwu ‘m’ 52 years, and Chukwudi Mba ‘m’ 42 years, were arrested at their warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were found repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to different parts of Nigeria.

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“Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to another warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out. During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.”

The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.

The CP noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons were used to repackage counterfeit medicines.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.

He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while large consignments were also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

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“The investigation also suggests that the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State.

“While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation, and bring them to justice,” Fatai said.

The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation after the suspects were arrested.

“It is pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects, recovered exhibits, and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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He explained that the handover was necessary because the case falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.

The CP commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation while urging members of the public to provide useful information on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.

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NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have uncovered fresh attempts by drug syndicates to export cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack destined for China and Italy.

This was contained in a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, and shared on X on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, a local tool commonly used for pounding yam and grains, which was being shipped to China.

The agency added that another cocaine shipment destined for Italy was discovered concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

He wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

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“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

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