In the wake of the devastating tanker fire incident at Dikko Junction in Niger State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up its emergency response efforts. The agency has delivered food, non-food items, and medical supplies to aid the injured victims and provide relief support to the families affected by the disaster.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited the community to oversee the distribution of relief materials. She emphasized that this action aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to assisting communities in recovering from disasters. “Following the rapid assessment conducted by NEMA, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and other first responders, we are here to provide immediate assistance, including food, non-food items, and medicaments, to the affected families,” she stated.
While expressing her sympathy to the victims and their families, Mrs. Umar assured that NEMA would continue to coordinate comprehensive efforts to support the community’s recovery. She also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, urging communities to adopt proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
Mrs. Umar commended the prompt response of the first responders, including rescue teams from NEMA, NSEMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps, fire fighters, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, medical personnel, security operatives, and local community members. Their quick action under pressure was crucial in saving lives and mitigating further damage.
Present at the relief distribution event were several dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon Afiniki Daudu, who expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s timely intervention. The Chairman of Gurara Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdulhalim Abubakar, and the Director General of NSEMA, Comrade Abdullahi Arah, also attended, along with local community leaders.
The latest updates on the disaster reveal a tragic toll: 98 people lost their lives, 69 sustained various injuries, and 20 shops were destroyed in the inferno. The distribution of relief materials is a critical step in aiding the victims and helping the community begin its recovery journey.
