The Niger State government has dispatched an 18-member medical team to Suleja General Hospital and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Hospital in Sabon-Wuse to provide urgent care for survivors of the Dikko fuel tanker explosion, which has claimed 86 lives so far.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday near Dikko Junction when a fuel tanker lost control and crashed, leading to residents scooping fuel from the wreckage.
To address the critical condition of victims and reduce fatalities, Governor Umaru Bago ordered the deployment of additional medical experts.
Acting on this directive, Dr. Tukur Bello, Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, and other officials visited the two hospitals where 66 patients are receiving treatment for severe injuries.
At Suleja General Hospital, 43 patients, all male, were admitted, with seven fatalities recorded. Sabon-Wuse Hospital initially received 23 patients, three of whom died shortly after arrival.
Many of the injured remain in critical condition, necessitating plans to transfer some to specialized facilities in Abuja.
The governor also directed that all treatments be provided free of charge and ordered more health workers and medical supplies to support the efforts.
The state government has extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged continued support to mitigate the impact of the tragedy.