Over 20 shops were reduced to ashes after a petrol tanker caught fire in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on Sunday, April 13, leaving traders in shock and counting their losses. The incident happened at the AYM Shafa filling station in the Akwanga Local Government Area, where a fuel tanker dispensing petrol suddenly went up in flames.
Eyewitness Yohana James, speaking via phone, explained that the fire started without warning while the tanker was offloading fuel. In a desperate attempt to prevent the fire from engulfing the entire filling station, the driver risked his life to steer the burning vehicle away. His quick thinking may have averted a larger catastrophe, but it wasn’t enough to stop the fire from spreading.
Despite no reported loss of life, the flames tore through nearby shops, destroying goods worth millions of naira. Traders, many of whom rely on their shops as their only source of income, watched helplessly as everything they owned went up in smoke. The fire left behind a trail of rubble, melted roofing sheets, and the charred remains of merchandise, forcing victims to grapple with how to rebuild from nothing.
As residents gathered around the scene on Monday morning, the mood was one of grief, disbelief, and anger. Most shop owners say they had no insurance and are appealing to government authorities and well-meaning Nigerians for support. Many fear they may never recover from the loss without urgent help.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about safety protocols at fuel stations and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent future disasters. For now, the people of Akwanga are left picking up the pieces and hoping that the spotlight brought by this painful event will lead to meaningful change.
