No fewer than 38 people were affected when a fuel tanker burst into flames in Ndem community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Wednesday. The incident occurred during transloading operations after the tanker reportedly fell into a nearby river, triggering a massive fire that engulfed residents at the scene. At least 12 people were confirmed dead, some of whom were burnt beyond recognition. Eyewitness Anthony Ekeni said he counted 38 victims, including 12 bodies. Among the deceased are believed to be the Chairman of the Ogoja Truckers Association and a recently promoted Assistant Superintendent of Police, though the police have not confirmed their identities.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident and said the corpses had been released to families and relevant communities, including the Hausa Muslim community for burial according to Islamic rites. He said the Divisional Traffic Officer in Ogoja and patrol teams were immediately deployed to secure the area and manage traffic. The scene was cordoned off to prevent further casualties, and injured victims were taken to General Hospital, Ogoja, for treatment. Reinforcements arrived to help contain the fire and restrict access to the area. ASP Eitokpah said an investigation has begun into the causes of the explosion, particularly focusing on the transloading process that led to the disaster.
The same transloading operation that authorities have repeatedly failed to regulate safely claimed the life of a police officer meant to enforce order. If a senior traffic official and a law enforcement agent were not spared, the risk to ordinary residents in Ndem community is extreme. The dead include those tasked with managing road safety, yet no mechanism existed to stop the blaze before it spread. This undermines any claim that such operations are under control.
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