NEMA distributes relief materials to Niger tanker explosion victims

In furtherance to emergency response to the tragic incident of tanker fire disaster that occurred at Dikko Junction in Niger State, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered food and non-food items including medical supplies for treatment of the injured victims and relief support for families of the affected persons.

Update on the disaster indicates that 98 persons lost their lives, 69 had different degrees of injuries, and 20 shops were burnt in the inferno.

The Director General NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who visited the community and flagged off the distribution of the items, said it was also in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the continuation of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the recovery of the community from the disaster.

She said: “Based on the report of the first rapid assessment carried out by officials of NEMA, NSEMA, and other first responders, we have come to provide immediate assistance of food and non-food items, including medicaments, to the affected families.”

While sympathising with the people, the Director General of NEMA assured that the Agency would coordinate comprehensive efforts aimed at assisting in their recovery from the disaster.

She further said that besides the mourning over the tragic incident, it was also a reminder for every community to pay attention to the urgent need for disaster preparedness and to be proactive in safeguarding lives and property.

Mrs. Umar commended the Swift response of first responders to the incident, particularly the rescue teams of NEMA, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Firefighters, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp, medical personnel, community members, security operatives, and other stakeholders that acted swiftly under pressure to save lives and mitigate further damages.

Present at the occasion was the Deputy Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Afiniki Daudu who appreciated the prompt response of the Federal Government in the delivery of the relief items through NEMA.

Also present were the Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar, the Director General of Niger State SEMA, Comrade Abdullahi Arah, and the community leaders.