Benue: Black Monday as tanker explosion kills four, leaves others injured

By Tobi Adetunji

Not less than four people were killed while several others were said to have been injured when a petrol tanker fell and exploded in the Amoke community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, on Monday morning.

According to an eye witness, the tanker was said to have fallen and exploded due to brake failure.

The eyewitness explained that the oil tanker loaded with fuel known as Premium Motor Spirit exploded around 7:15 am about three meters to Ugbokpo, headquarters of Apa LGA.

According to the eyewitness, “The incident happened early this morning (Monday), it is like the tanker had a brake failure.”

When contacted, Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in charge of Benue State, Yakubu Mohammad, confirmed the report and said that three people including the driver of the tanker lost their lives in the accident.

The FRSC boss blamed the accident on brake failure and said that the fire had been put out.

It will be recalled that two tanker explosion occurred in a neighbouring local government (Oshigudu in Agatu LGA) in April this year which claimed several lives and destroyed many houses.