The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distributing relief materials to victims and families affected by the devastating petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State.

The explosion, which occurred on Saturday morning along Dikko-Maje Road, claimed 98 lives, left 69 injured, and destroyed 20 shops. It was caused by a tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that crashed, spilling fuel which then ignited due to contact with a generator.

NEMA's Director-General, Zubaida Umar, visited the scene and launched the distribution of food, non-food items, and medical supplies. She emphasized that the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to support the community's recovery.

Accompanying Umar during the visit were key local officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Daudu, and the Chairman of Gurara Local Government, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar. They all praised the federal government’s swift response and NEMA’s efforts to provide relief.

Umar thanked the first responders, including NEMA, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, and local firefighters, for their quick actions to minimize the disaster’s impact. She stressed the importance of disaster preparedness and vowed to continue aiding the community's recovery.