The death toll from the recent tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen, with ten more victims succumbing to their injuries. The explosion, which left many severely burnt, has caused widespread grief and highlighted the need for urgent medical interventions.

According to Abdulberqy Ebbo, Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Digital Communications, seven of the victims died while receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Suleja, and three others passed away at the General Hospital in Sabon-Wuse.

Ebbo revealed that the General Hospital, Suleja, admitted 43 patients following the explosion. Of these, seven succumbed to their injuries, three were discharged to continue recuperation at home, and ten were referred for specialist care in Abuja. The remaining 23 patients are receiving treatment for varying degrees of burns.

At the General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse, 23 patients were initially admitted. Three have died, while 19 others were discharged against medical advice after their relatives signed consent forms. One critically injured patient awaits evacuation to the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.

In response to the tragedy, an 18-member multidisciplinary medical team, led by Dr. Tukur Bello, the Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, has been deployed to provide urgent medical relief. The team includes the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Murtala Bagana.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has directed that free medical services be provided to all victims. Additional health workers have also been deployed to manage the cases effectively. The governor emphasized the need for intensive care for the most critical patients, prompting referrals to tertiary healthcare facilities in Abuja.