Dozens of people have been burnt to death after a fuel tanker exploded in Ahumbe, village Gwer East local Government area in Benue State.
Ahumbe village is located on Makurdi – Enugu road about one hour drive from Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
According to an eye witness identified as Terna Torbee, a tanker conveying fully loaded PMS, otherwise known as petrol had an accident and tumbled into the bush on Monday.
Torbee said fuel spilled on the ground as the result of the accident and shortly after some villagers started scooping the fuel.
Accounting to the eye witness in the process of scooping fuel the tanker exploded and ignited fire which roasted many people alive while others who sustained various degrees of injuries were taken to hospital for treatment.
A source said over 30 persons burnt while several others were injured.
Police spokesperson Kate Anene, a DSP warned members of the public to stop scooping fuel from fallen tankers on highways.