Tanker Explosion Kills Scores in Benue

Malik Yahya/

Many have been feared dead following a tanker explosion in Oshigbudu, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, today.

Many houses, shops and properties were also destroyed in the inferno.

Agatu local government area is some four hours drive from Makurdi, the Benue State capital and the closest fire station is in Otukpo Local Government Area, a one hour thirty minutes drive from the scene of the inferno.

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior, reportedly confirmed the incident.

“The fire inferno at Oshugbudu in Agatu local Government, my local government of origin today, 18-04-2021 which has claimed so many lives and destroyed properties yet to be quantified, is the Chief of all the calamities that have fallen us this year.

“As I pray  God to comfort the good people of Agatu and most especially those directly involved. I wish to call on Government at all levels and spirited individuals to come to our aids in order to drastically reduce the effect of the disaster on the people. Once again may God grant us the fortitude to bear the huge loss,” he stated.