By Suleiman Ibrahim .
Bida, Niger State – Just two days after a devastating tanker explosion claimed 96 lives in Niger State, residents in Bida town were once again seen risking their lives by gathering around a fallen truck to collect oil.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw residents, despite the recent tragedy, disregard safety warnings and attempt to collect oil leaking from the broken-down vehicle.
While some managed to collect oil, others fled in panic as the situation potentially escalated.
“The people were not even afraid despite earlier assumptions that it was petrol,” a resident, Yinusa Jiya, told Premium Times.
Another eyewitness, Fatimah Mohammed, confirmed that the tanker was carrying groundnut oil. “It fell around AYM Shafa filling station yesterday and residents stole huge amounts of the groundnut oil dripping from the tanker,” she added.
This incident comes amidst growing concerns over the recurring disregard for safety in the face of potential disasters.
Earlier Tragedy:
The recent tanker explosion in Gurara LGA, Niger State, tragically underscored the dangers associated with these incidents. The death toll continues to rise as some injured individuals succumb to their injuries in hospitals.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in September 2024, where over 50 travelers lost their lives in a midnight tanker explosion along the Agaie-Badeggi road.
