An explosion in a petrol tanker in the Bida region of northern central Niger has killed at least 31 people and injured 17 people.

According to a Nigerian police statement, fuel leaked after a fuel tank crashed and an explosion occurred when residents were robbed, causing significant casualties.17 injured people have been transported to nearby hospitals.

Mohamed Bago, governor of Niger State, said, "This is another painful, difficult and tragic moment for the people and the state government".

A similar accident occurred in Niger in January this year, when a petrol tanker suddenly turned side by side on a highway in the Diko area, where residents nearby burned fuel and a petrol tank exploded, killing at least 98 people and wounding several others.

The state of Niger is an important hub for the transport of goods in north-southern Nigeria.Analysts have that heavy truck accidents have been common in the state recently, with poor road conditions and a lack of rail network being the main reason.