By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Niger State government has held a mass burial for victims of the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Essa village, Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Bologi Ibrahim, the government also approved comprehensive free medical treatment for about 50 survivors of the explosion.
Ibrahim said the decision followed the visit of a state government delegation led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Murtala Bagana, to the scene of the explosion and hospitals where the injured victims are receiving treatment.
The statement added that about 50 people who sustained injuries in the incident are receiving medical attention for burns, inhalation-related injuries, and severe injuries at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida, General Hospitals Bida and Agaie, National Hospital, Abuja, Gwagwalada Specialist, and FMC Jabi.
“A mass burial for the deceased victims was conducted in Katcha with a special prayer for the repose of their souls and quick recovery for the injured.
“The state government confirmed that normalcy has returned to the affected community and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents.
“The Niger State government has approved comprehensive free medical care for all the surviving victims of the Essa tanker explosion,” the statement read.
The government also announced the provision of drugs and medical supplies worth over N10 million to hospitals treating the victims, alongside cash donations to affected families receiving care.
It said, “The state government has also provided drugs and medical supplies worth over N10 million to support hospitals treating the victims and presented cash donations to the affected families receiving care in the hospitals.”
The government also commended the management of the FMC Bida for its swift response, as well as the State Ministry of Health, Emergency Response Teams, and the Katcha Local Government Authority for coordinating rescue and medical operations.
The government also urged residents to refrain from scooping fuel from fallen tankers, warning of the danger of such acts.
It further enjoined the Federal Government to expedite action in fixing all federal roads in the state to avoid recurrence, as the poor state of the Jebba–Mokwa–Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata road contributed to the tragic incident.
