A mass burial ceremony has been held for 140 individuals who lost their lives in the petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, located within the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, which occurred on Wednesday.
Currently, approximately 90 additional victims are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state following this tragic incident.
The explosion took place around midnight on Tuesday when the driver of the tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University in Majiya. The tanker, having departed from Kano, exploded after overturning.
According to the police, the disaster was exacerbated by local residents who rushed to collect spilled petrol from the overturned tanker. “As residents were scooping fuel, the explosion ignited a massive fire, resulting in 94 immediate fatalities,” explained DSP Lawan Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State.
The incident also left an additional 50 people with serious injuries, who were subsequently transported to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for medical care. DSP Adam characterized the event as a “horrific tragedy,” urging the public to recognize the dangers of collecting fuel from accident scenes.
**Federal Government Orders Investigation**
In response to the tanker explosion, the Federal Government has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, which claimed over 100 lives in Jigawa State.
Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed profound sorrow regarding the tragic event in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor. The Minister extended condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and emphasized the government’s commitment to a comprehensive inquiry.
The statement conveyed, “The Minister of Petroleum Resources has expressed deep regret over the petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, which resulted in significant loss of life and numerous injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them swift recoveries.”
Additionally, the Minister urged the public to refrain from approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents, and he called upon transporters to ensure that only qualified drivers who adhere to safety regulations mandated by the Federal Road Safety Corps are employed.
**President Tinubu Calls for Review of Safety Protocols**
President Bola Tinubu has called for a thorough evaluation of fuel transportation safety measures across Nigeria in light of the tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which resulted in over 100 fatalities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Tinubu, conveyed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and prayed for their strength during this difficult time. The statement, issued by presidential aide Stanley Nkwocha, also highlighted the immediate intervention by the federal government for the victims of the disaster.
Shettima expressed, “My heart aches for those who have lost family members in this disaster.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to mobilizing all necessary resources to support the injured and assist affected families.
The Vice President has also mandated the immediate deployment of personnel and resources from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to Jigawa State. He underscored the need for reflection on safety measures and public awareness to avert similar incidents in the future, stating, “Every life is precious, and we must do all we can to protect our citizens.”
Further, Shettima commended the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, noting that their dedication exemplifies the best of the nation’s spirit. He urged the council to establish National Road Safety Strategy targets and enhance coordination among federal, state, and local governments to meet shared road safety objectives.
In closing, Vice President Shettima emphasized the importance of road safety, asserting, “Road safety is not merely a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation.”
