A tanker on Sunday exploded in Oshigbudu, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State killing many people.
It was gathered that many houses, shops and properties were also destroyed in the inferno.
Many residents of the area called for help from relevant authorities to come to their rescue as the only fire station is in Otukpo Local Government Area, a one hour thirty minutes drive from the scene of the fire.
Confirming the incident to Channels Television, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior stated that he would brief Governor Samuel Ortom on the development.
Emmanuel also disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency would issue a statement shortly.
“The fire inferno at Oshugbudu in Agatu local Government, my local government of origin today, 18-04-2021 which has claimed so many lives and destroyed properties yet to be quantified, is the Chief of all the calamities that have fallen us this year,” he said.
“As I pray God to comfort the good people of Agatu and most especially those directly involved, over the lost, I wish to call on Government at all levels and spirited individuals to come to our aids in order to drastically reduce the effect of the disaster on the people. Once again may God grant us the fortitude to bear the huge loss.”