By Ameh Gabriel | Media360Impact
Bida, Niger State – October 21, 2025
At least 35 persons have been confirmed dead and 46 others injured in a devastating tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday along the Bida Lapai Road in Niger State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Assistant Corps Marshal / Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Abuja cpeo@frsc.gov.ng | info@frsc.gov.ng on October 21, 2025
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the incident happened shortly after a fuel-laden tanker overturned along the Badegi axis of the route around 12:15 p.m., spilling its contents across the road.
Moments after the crash, residents and passersby reportedly rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker. Tragedy struck when the highly flammable liquid ignited, resulting in a massive fire that consumed dozens of people and several nearby properties.
Swift Response, But Too Late for Many
FRSC rescue teams, led by the Unit Head of Operations, in collaboration with the Niger State Fire Service (Bida Division), raced to the scene to battle the inferno and evacuate survivors for emergency medical attention.
However, by the time the flames were contained, 35 lives had been lost, and dozens sustained severe burns and injuries.
FRSC Condemns Fuel Scooping, Calls It a Needless National Tragedy
Reacting to the tragedy, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed deep sorrow and condemned the recurring practice of fuel scooping, describing it as a “needless national tragedy born out of ignorance, greed, and disregard for safety warnings.”
“This is not just a crash; it is a painful reminder that every time people ignore safety advice and rush to scoop petrol, they gamble with their lives,” Mohammed stated.
“No litre of fuel is worth a human life.”
The Corps Marshal directed all FRSC commands nationwide to intensify community-based sensitization campaigns, particularly in rural and high-risk areas, warning residents never to approach or tamper with fuel-laden vehicles involved in crashes.
He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local authorities to support the Corps in educating communities on the deadly consequences of such reckless behaviour.
Recurring National Problem
The FRSC noted that most of the high-fatality road incidents in 2024 were caused by similar acts of fuel scooping, while the initial tanker crashes often claimed no lives until residents gathered to collect spilled fuel.
The agency urged the public to report crashes immediately through its toll-free emergency number 122 and allow trained rescue personnel to manage such situations.
“The public must understand that approaching crash scenes, especially involving petroleum tankers, is dangerous and often fatal,” the statement read.
“The Corps remains committed to preventing tragedies of this nature through continuous public enlightenment, enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration.”
