AdminBy Emmanuel Onwubiko
I grew into adulthood in the late 1980s while schooling at the then-prestigious Kafanchan Teachers College. I can unequivocally state that throughout the early to late 1980s, Nigeria was relatively a happy place to live. Sophisticated crimes like terrorism, kidnappings, and extreme cases of murder that have now engulfed our nation were practically non-existent.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAs students in a government-sponsored school, we enjoyed subsidies from the state. Boarding students were guaranteed three quality meals per day. As a day student, I occasionally joined the feasting in the refectory of TC Kafanchan, thanks to the sheer quality and taste of the meals. The school boasted top-tier sports facilities, including a standard football field, track and field provisions, and a skilled physical education tutor.
Teachers at TC Kafanchan were well-catered for, with government-provided housing within the school premises. Youth Corps members assigned to the school lived comfortably in quarters that resembled royal accommodations. One such Corps member, Jahman Anikulapo, who later became a senior editor at The Guardian newspaper and a renowned arts and culture expert, exemplifies the brilliance fostered in that environment.
However, despite these highlights, there were areas of concern, such as the lack of empathy displayed by ex-soldiers manning the school gates and the dehumanising practice of public flogging of students.
The Nigeria of that era, however imperfect, was one where the state genuinely cared for its citizens. Crimes were minimal, roads were maintained, hospitals functioned efficiently, and water supply was available 24/7. I can state without hesitation that I, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko—Ichie Ana Egbu Achara Yana Epuchi 1 of Arondizuogu—enjoyed Nigeria when it was good.
Today, I am a sad man writing this piece. My two beautiful children belong to a generation of Nigerians who did not witness the golden era of this nation. Instead, they are growing up in a country riddled with crimes, poor governance, and systemic failure. Governments at all levels are teeming with individuals whose mercantilist, capitalist, and selfish motives overshadow any genuine concern for the welfare of Nigerians.
Our current federal government is led by someone who could not even articulate where he attended primary and post-primary school. Allegations of involvement in drug-related crimes and judicial penalties abroad further mar the credibility of leadership. Several state governors and legislators hold dubious academic credentials.
READ ALSO: NNPCL, Petrol Minister Mourn Victims Of Niger Tanker Explosion, Call For Safety Precaution
The state of the nation is dire. Kidnappings, road accidents, and crimes occur with alarming frequency. Travellers now fear for their lives on dilapidated roads that have become death traps. Adding to this tragedy is the increasing frequency of tanker explosions, which have claimed countless lives and caused immeasurable destruction.
One devastating tanker explosion occurred on the East-West Road in Rivers State on April 26, 2024. At least five people lost their lives, and over 120 vehicles were destroyed. The explosion was triggered when a tanker navigating the dilapidated road was struck by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames and a massive inferno.
In Ore, Ondo State, a petrol tanker explosion on July 24, 2023, claimed the lives of 20 people, including a pregnant woman and three children. The tragedy occurred when a tanker spilled its contents, and people, driven by desperation, rushed to scoop fuel despite warnings. A similar incident in Ore claimed eight more lives after a tanker lost control due to overspeeding.
On January 5, 2025, another fuel tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State, killed at least five people and caused widespread damage. Once again, the tragedy was tied to poor road conditions and the desperation of individuals risking their lives to scoop fuel.
These heartbreaking incidents underscore a recurring theme: a government that neglects its responsibilities and citizens driven to take life-threatening risks just to survive. This is a nation that appears to be killing its own, not just through negligence but also through systemic failures that perpetuate poverty, desperation, and despair.
The time has come to reflect and act decisively to address these tragic occurrences. Our roads must be repaired, tanker safety protocols enforced, and citizens equipped with better opportunities to earn a livelihood without endangering their lives. A nation that kills her own cannot thrive—it is a country heading toward self-destruction.
The explosion engulfed nearby structures in flames, causing residents to flee in panic. Emergency responders were expected to begin rescue operations, but the extent of the damage remained unclear.
The incident resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with an unknown number of injuries or additional damage. This tragic event left the community in Agbor, Delta State, in shock and mourning.
READ ALSO: Fuel Tanker Explodes On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
A devastating tanker explosion occurred in Majiya village, Jigawa State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, claiming 109 lives and injuring 54 others. The incident occurred when a petroleum tanker fell, spilling its contents. Tragically, villagers who attempted to scoop the spilled fuel became victims of a deadly explosion.
The victims were given a mass burial, with 107 bodies laid to rest. Thousands of mourners, including government officials, political leaders, and traditional rulers, attended the solemn event. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to lead a delegation to Jigawa State to assess the situation and provide necessary aid.
The incident elicited widespread condolences from top government officials, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several governors. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, also directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the incident.
Another tanker explosion occurred in Suleja, Niger State, on January 20, 2025, resulting in 98 fatalities and leaving 69 people injured.
In response, President Tinubu ordered the immediate transfer of victims to tertiary medical centers for better care. As part of the emergency measures, 20 victims were admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja, while two others were transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi.
The Niger State Government expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt response to the incident. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation has pledged to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.
However, it is disheartening that the Federal Government lacks a coherent strategy to prevent and address these recurring tanker explosions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy have been criticized for their frequent travels abroad while critical domestic issues remain unresolved. Similarly, state governors appear to lack proactive strategies to tackle the negligence and recklessness of fuel tanker owners.
To address the issue, my organisation, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has outlined several recommendations as a panacea for these frequent fuel tanker explosions.
In a media statement titled “HURIWA Urges Federal Government to Take Steps to End Epidemic of Fuel Tanker Explosions,” the following measures were suggested:
Owners of fuel tankers must be compelled by the Federal Government to take out life insurance policies to cover potential victims of fuel tanker explosions. They should also be held accountable for circumstances leading to such disasters.
State governments across Nigeria should carry out free quality control tests on all heavy vehicles transporting fuel into their states to ensure they are in proper working condition.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, along with its state counterparts, must aggressively educate and enlighten citizens about the dangers of scooping fuel spilled on highways. The National Orientation Agency and other public enlightenment agencies should launch campaigns to prevent these tragedies.
The Federal Fire Service and state fire departments must provide regular capacity-building training for fuel tanker drivers. Additionally, agencies like the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) should conduct strict oversight to ensure that fuel tankers and heavy-duty vehicles are roadworthy.
The government must invest in building functional road infrastructure and enforce laws banning fuel tankers from driving through densely populated areas. If possible, fuel tankers should only be allowed to ply roads at night.
The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should prioritize building and maintaining fuel pipelines to ensure seamless and safer transportation of petroleum products. Law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and the police, must be tasked with safeguarding these pipelines to prevent theft and vandalism.
HURIWA’s media statement highlighted the need for urgent action, noting that the repeated occurrence of these preventable tragedies is unacceptable. The lives lost in these explosions represent not just statistics but families and communities left devastated. It is high time for the government and relevant agencies to wake up from their inertia and prioritize the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
“HURIWA considers the lack of any institutional response mechanisms by the government of Nigeria to address the disturbing trend of fuel tanker explosions in the country, which have had devastating consequences, as irresponsible, despicable, and intolerable. We believe that a government that upholds the principles of accountability and transparency as the cornerstone of governance would have implemented strategic and workable measures to stem the rising tide of fuel tanker explosions.
“The mass killings of Nigerian citizens through these avoidable logistical mistakes by fuel tanker owners and the poor regulatory frameworks on the part of the government to hold these owners accountable for their carelessness have combined to perpetuate these intolerable fuel tanker explosions. These accidents must be addressed and minimized without further delay, as these explosions, which result in several casualties, are crimes against humanity.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), who endorsed the media statement, lamented that over 1,000 citizens have been burned to their gruesome deaths as a direct result of these numerous fuel tanker explosions.
HURIWA recalled a devastating tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night, April 26, 2024, killing at least five people and destroying over 120 vehicles. The incident happened along the Eleme axis of the road. Reports suggest that the tragedy was triggered when a tanker, navigating the dilapidated road, was hit by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames and an explosion.
The ensuing inferno engulfed multiple vehicles on the road, trapping some occupants who were unable to escape the fire. Videos and witness accounts shared on social media paint a harrowing picture, with distraught voices decrying the massive destruction.
READ ALSO: Jigawa Tanker Explosion Claims 105 Lives, 55 Injured
The explosion and resulting fire caused widespread destruction, with 120 vehicles burned. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirmed the incident.
A petrol tanker explosion occurred in Ore, Ondo State, on July 24, 2023, killing 20 persons, including a pregnant woman and three children. The incident occurred when a tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road, with people rushing to scoop fuel despite warnings.
Another tanker explosion occurred in Ore, Ondo State, on a Sunday evening (exact date not specified), killing eight people who were scooping fuel from the fallen tanker. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker lost control due to overspeeding.
Both incidents highlight the risks and consequences of tanker explosions in Nigeria, often caused by human error, poor road conditions, or the actions of people scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
A fuel tanker explosion occurred in Agbor, Delta State, on January 5, 2025, killing at least five people and causing widespread damage. The tanker, carrying petrol, lost control and exploded.
The explosion engulfed nearby structures in flames, causing residents to flee in panic. Emergency responders were expected to begin rescue operations, but the extent of the damage was still unclear.
The incident resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with an unknown number of injuries or additional damage. The explosion was a tragic event that deeply affected the community in Agbor, Delta State.
A devastating tanker explosion occurred in Majiya village, Jigawa State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, resulting in the loss of 109 lives and injuring 54 others. The incident occurred when a petroleum tanker fell and spilled its contents, which were then scooped up by villagers, leading to the explosion.
The victims were given a mass burial, with 107 bodies laid to rest. Thousands attended the burial, including government officials, political leaders, and traditional rulers. President Bola Tinubu directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to lead a delegation to Jigawa State to assess the situation and provide aid.
The incident has sparked widespread condolences and sympathies from top government officials, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and various governors. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the incident.
A tanker explosion occurred in Suleja, Niger State, on January 20, 2025, resulting in the death toll rising to 98 and injuring 69.
In response, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate transfer of victims to tertiary medical centers for better care. Consequently, 20 victims were admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja, while two additional victims were transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi.
The Niger State Government has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt response to the incident. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, is the National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).
