At least 45 people were tragically killed in a horrific accident along the Agaie-Bida road in Niger State, after being burnt beyond recognition. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. on Sunday near Man-Woro village and involved a petrol-laden tanker, a truck carrying cattle, and a passenger vehicle.
According to reports, the trailer, which had departed from Wudil, Kano State, and was en route to Lagos, collided with the passenger vehicle heading to Agaie Sunday market. The tanker, which was navigating the poorly maintained road, overturned and caught fire, engulfing the other two vehicles.
Local resident Abubakar Agaie confirmed that 45 bodies were buried at Man-Woro village on Sunday morning. Witnesses described the scene as devastating, with all three vehicles completely burnt.
Yahaya Mohammed, another witness, said, “We counted 45 corpses that were identified as human bodies. The tanker fell and caught fire. The passenger vehicle and the trailer, both loaded with goods and people, got caught in the blaze while trying to pass.”
Alhaji Wuchiko, a commercial driver, reported that he transported the tanker driver and another survivor to Lapai General Hospital. Other survivors were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident, stating that over 30 people had been confirmed dead, and more than 50 cattle were burned in the inferno. The agency’s Rapid Response Team, alongside local government emergency committees, continued rescue efforts at the scene, as some bodies were still trapped inside the wreckage.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor called the incident painful and urged road users to adhere to traffic regulations. He also assured the public that NSEMA and other relevant agencies had been mobilized to the site for rescue and recovery operations.
The governor prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
