A gas explosion in Sabon Wuse, located in Tafa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, has caused significant destruction, damaging multiple vehicles, shops, and foodstuffs, leaving business owners to assess the extent of their losses.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that although no lives were lost, the damage was severe.
The explosion occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday, while a gas tanker was offloading at a local filling station. Witnesses reported that the blast sent shockwaves throughout the community, sparking widespread panic among residents. The ensuing fire spread rapidly, igniting a nearby petrol station and engulfing several shops and parked vehicles.
Musa Aliyu, a Sabon Wuse resident, described the scene as terrifying. “The flames were so intense that they were visible from various parts of the town. People fled their homes in fear. We’re grateful that no one was hurt, but the devastation is immense,” he said.
Firefighters arrived several hours later, but by then, much of the damage had already been done, and valuable goods were lost in the blaze.
In the wake of the explosion, local residents have called for stricter safety regulations at gas and petrol stations to help prevent future disasters. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the handling of flammable materials.
