text: The 48 victims of the petrol tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State have been given mass burial.
  The Director General of the state Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arab confirmed this on Sunday.
  According to him, following further search and rescue operations, 18 more bodies were recovered in addition to the 30 bodies earlier reported.
  “Following further search and rescue operations, my agency discovered 18 more bodies which were also burnt to death and all the dead have been given mass burial,” he said.
  The incident occurred when the tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, en route to Lagos.
  The explosion happened around 12:30 am along the Lapai-Agaie road, about two kilometres from Dendo village.
  According to a statement by the emergency agency, the incident occurred when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck carrying travellers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, heading to Lagos. Two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also involved in the incident.
  “Over 30 people have already been confirmed dead, with more than 50 cattle burnt alive.”
  Rescuers later uncovered 18 more bodies from the ashes.
  Meanwhile, the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed sadness over the incident.
  In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor said he was pained by the colossal loss of lives, and enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
  The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured.