Another gas explosion in Niger State: Buildings, vehicles, bags of foodstuffs destroyed
The incident, which happened around 11:00 p.m., could have led to mass casualties if not for its late-night timing. Residents, startled by the loud explosion, fled their homes in search of safety as thick smoke enveloped the area, spreading panic throughout the town.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident. He attributed the explosion to the transloading of gas from a trailer tanker to a surface tank.
“At about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Tasiu Gas Plant, located beside Kalasma Filling Station along the Kaduna Expressway, exploded and caught fire,” he explained. “The fire completely destroyed the gas plant, the trailer, and a vehicle belonging to one Abubakar Yakubu, which was parked nearby.”
Baba Arah also revealed that the Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, situated behind the gas plant, was affected. “Approximately 550 bags of beans and six bags of soya beans were burnt in the inferno,” he said.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the fire was brought under control. Normalcy has since returned to the area. This explosion marks the fourth similar incident in the state within three weeks:
Dikko (Gurara LGA) — Over 100 people lost their lives, and properties worth millions were destroyed.
Lapai-Agaie Road (near Bida) — A late-night explosion injured the driver and motor boy of a tanker; security forces cordoned off the area.
Sabon Pegi (Mashegu LGA) — Mining explosives stored in a shop detonated, causing extensive damage to houses and shops.
The recurring gas-related accidents have raised concerns over safety protocols and the handling of hazardous materials in the state. Authorities are expected to take stricter measures to prevent future occurrences.
