Death toll from Saturday’s fuel tanker explosion in Niger State has reached 98, with 69 injured and 20 shops razed.
On Monday, the Federal Government said victims still battling for life had been transferred to tertiary medical centres for enhanced care in life with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
The death toll, as of Sunday, was 86 with 55 injured.
Providing an update in a statement on Monday, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said, “More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured and 20 shops burnt.”
Out of the 43 injured victims admitted at the General Hospital, Suleja, seven had died. Also, three injured patients out of the 23 admitted at the General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse, died.
In a statement on Monday by the media aide to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Federal Government said surviving but injured victims had been transferred for enhanced medical care.
The minister stated, “In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu for the swift transfer of victims of the Suleja fuel tanker explosion to tertiary medical centers for enhanced medical attention, 20 patients have been admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
“Similarly, two additional patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja. All the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centers to ensure seamless care.
“The Niger State Government has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt and effective response to this unfortunate incident.
“The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to Nigerians.”
