[Today’s Prayer] 140 dead in Nigeria as they scoop up oil from capsized tanker

According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 17th (local time), an overturned tanker burst into flames and exploded on the 16th (local time) in Majiya village, Zigwa State, northwestern Nigeria.

The accident killed more than 140 people and injured dozens more as they scooped gasoline from the overturned tanker, local emergency officials said. The death

toll is believed to be at least 140, National Emergency Management Agency Director Noura Abdullahi told The Associated Press, adding that close to 140 people were buried in a mass grave, separate from those buried elsewhere.

The outlet said Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and is a common site for deadly tanker accidents, citing “poor transport regulations and a lack of a rail system for transporting freight.”

He added that "since the Nigerian government stopped subsidizing gas prices last year, it has become common to see residents scooping up buckets from tanker accident sites."

Locals mourned the victims on the 16th as they prepared a mass grave. Local emergency services said most of the bodies were burnt to ashes and unrecognizable.

“If they had known (the risk of an explosion), they would not have gone to get (the fuel),” resident Mairiga told local media, adding that “emergency services arrived hours after the accident.”

Source: News

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. (Psalm 107:28)

God, we are so saddened by the news of the deadly tanker truck accident in Nigeria that has claimed over 140 lives.

We see that accidents continue to happen as poor and helpless people try to scoop up the remaining oil from overturned tankers with buckets due to the discontinuation of the gas subsidy policy, but are unable to stop the accidents.

Lord, please have mercy on the families of those left behind and the suffering souls of Nigeria whose bodies were burnt to ashes because they were unable to recognize the danger of an explosion because they were unable to learn even the basics. It is only You who can deliver them from the pain of their loss.

We ask that You have compassion on the souls of Nigeria, that You will watch over and protect them like the pupil of Your eye, so that they will not perish in this unjust accident.

Send Your faithful laborers among these people to bring them the education they need, the hardships they face, and most importantly, the gospel of life!

And as the global church cries out to You in Jesus' name on behalf of the pain and loss of their reality, Lord, hear our prayers!

And lead the children of God in Nigeria to know You and to rise up with Your outpouring of vision, rising above their realities and living to proclaim Your kingdom to Africa and the nations!