The Niger State government has approved comprehensive free medical care for all surviving victims of the Essa tanker explosion in the state.
The announcement was made during a visit led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr Murtala Bagana, to the scene of the explosion and the hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment.
He stated that of the approximately 50 injured persons, some are receiving medical attention for burns, while others are being treated for inhalation-related injuries at various health facilities, including the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Bida and General Hospitals in Bida and Agaie.
The hovernor’s aide noted that those severely injured are receiving care at the National Hospital Abuja, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, and FMC Jabi.
“The state government has also provided drugs and medical supplies worth over N10 million to support hospitals treating the victims and presented cash donations to the affected families receiving care in the hospitals,” he disclosed.
The state government commended the management of FMC Bida for the swift response and professional support, while appreciating the Niger State Ministry of Health, Emergency Response Teams, and the Katcha Local Government Authority, who are jointly coordinating the rescue and medical operations.
According to the state government, “We also applauded the House of Representatives member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, Alh. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, for providing ambulances used in evacuating critical patients to tertiary hospitals in Abuja.
“Normalcy has returned to the affected community, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of all residents. There is also a need to desist from scooping the contents of any fallen tanker.”
The state government further called on the Federal Government to expedite action in repairing all federal roads in the state to prevent recurrence, noting that the poor condition of the Jebba-Mokwa-Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata road contributed significantly to the tragic incident.
A mass burial for the deceased victims was conducted in Katcha, accompanied by a special prayer for the repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the injured.
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