An underground fuel tanker at a filling station in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, exploded during routine maintenance on Friday, killing a welder and his apprentice. 

Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, told journalists in Jos that the welders were trying to fix a leaking tank when the blast happened, adding that three bystanders were also injured at the scene.

Mr Mallai said, “Today, Friday, April 17, 2026, two persons died, and three others were injured when an underground tank at a filling station in Daffo exploded during welding maintenance. The dead victims were a welder and his boy. 

“They were trying to weld the leaking part of the underground tank. There was no fuel in the tank, so they believed it was safe. But immediately they commenced welding, the tank exploded, engulfing the area in flames and killing them instantly. 

“The injured persons were bystanders who had gathered at the scene. They have been taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.”

Spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, told Peoples Gazette that he has yet to receive the report from the divisional police officer in the area.

Mr Alabo said, “I don’t have that report yet. That incident happened in a place where there is a DPO. So, if I have the report, that is when I can talk about it.”