Fire kills 94 people after fuel tanker crash in Nigeria

Published

8 months ago

October 16, 2024

Afuel tanker exploded overnight in northern Nigeria as it was surrounded by a crowd of people who had rushed to the scene of an accident to collect leaking petrol.

At least 94 people were burnt to death as fire engulfed the overturned vehicle, which had crashed, the police told the BBC.

Fifty others injured in the explosion have been taken to hospital in the nearby town of Ringim in Jigawa state and are in a critical condition.

Officers had warned people not to approach the tanker after the accident late on Tuesday night, but they were unable to contain the growing crowd, police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam said.

“We tried our best to stop people going to the vehicle to get petrol but despite cordoning the area we were overpowered and as people were scooping fuel, fire erupted,” he told the BBC.

The crash happened in the town of Majia in the northern state of Jigawa at around 23:30 local time (22:30 GMT), he said.

“The fuel tanker was coming from Kano and heading to Nguru in Yobe state when the driver lost control of the vehicle.”

The driver, who was not injured, has been taken into custody while the police conduct an investigation.

A distressing video has been shared on social media showing the moments after the fire erupted.

“Fire service and other emergency units rushed to the scene to help after the incident,” Mr Adam said.

Many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. The bodies have been covered by tree branches to shield them from onlookers.

A mass burial was planned for later on Wednesday, Mr Adam said.

Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in Nigeria – often caused by the poor state of roads and badly maintained vehicles.

In September, 59 people died in Nigeria’s Niger state after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle.

Heavy security as protesters gather in Lagos for June 12 demonstration

Published

48 minutes ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A large number of police officers, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force’s Area F Division, have been deployed on Thursday morning as protesters began to gather at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day.

The demonstrators, made up of civil society organisations and pro-democracy activists, assembled to express dissatisfaction with the country’s deteriorating economic situation and growing insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

While the protest hasn’t officially commenced, security forces nevertheless remain on high alert.

JUST IN: Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency has pegged ₦50 million as a permit fee for each political party before being allowed to mount billboards and other outdoor campaigning activities.

Published

1 hour ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency has pegged ₦50 million as a permit fee for each political party before being allowed to mount billboards and other outdoor campaigning activities.

Today is the long awaited date for the official flag off for political parties campaign in Anambra for the the November 8 election,ANSAA has announced that any political party rhat wants to mount billboards both outdoor and indoor must pay a permit of N50m.

SUSPENSION: Natasha Akpoti Defeats Akpabio in Court

Published

20 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has struck out two appeals filed by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio against the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension suit at the High Court.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justices Hamma Barka, Adebukunola Banjoko, and Okon Abang, the appellate court struck out the motions dated 20th and 25th March 2025, following a formal application to withdraw them.

The court further awarded the sum of ₦100,000 in costs to the 1st respondent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Additionally, the court ordered that Appeal No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 be deleted.

The Senate President had sought multiple reliefs from the appellate court, including:

1. An order enlarging the time within which he could seek leave to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025. The judgment was delivered by Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu on 10th March 2025.

2. An order granting leave to appeal against the High Court’s decision in the same suit.

3. An order extending the time within which the appellant could file a Notice of Appeal against the said judgment.

4. An order staying further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of his appeal.

However, with the withdrawal and subsequent striking out of the motions, the reliefs sought by the Senate President are effectively nullified at this stage.

This ruling marks a significant legal win for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her ongoing legal battle surrounding her controversial suspension.