140 victims of the devastating Jigawa tanker explosion have been buried, while 90 survivors remain in hospitals receiving treatment for severe injuries. The community mourns the tragic loss of lives.
A mass burial has been held for the 140 victims of a petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Wednesday in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
Approximately 90 additional victims of the unfortunate incident are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals throughout the state.
The explosion happened around midnight on Tuesday after the tanker driver, who was traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University in Majiya.
The tanker, which had left Kano and was en route to Nguru Town in Yobe State, exploded when the driver lost control.
According to the police, the disaster was caused by residents rushing to collect spilt petrol after a tanker overturned.
“The explosion happened while the residents were collecting fuel from the overturned tanker, causing a massive fire that instantly killed 94 people,” explained DSP Lawan Adam, Police Public Relations Officer of Jigawa State Command, in a statement.
The incident resulted in severe injuries for an additional 50 people, who were subsequently transported to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.
DSP Adam depicted the scene as a “horrific tragedy,” stressing the importance of public awareness regarding the dangers involved in collecting fuel from accident sites.
The FG has initiated an investigation.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Government responded to the tanker explosion incident by instructing the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to conduct an investigation into the tragedy that resulted in over 100 fatalities in Jigawa State.
In a directive issued Wednesday by Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, the minister also expressed regret for the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The announcement stated that Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, is deeply saddened by the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, located in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The incident claimed over 100 lives and injured many others.
Acting on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we offer our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by this tragic event.
We are thinking of those who were injured and hope for their quick and complete recovery.
The Minister has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this unfortunate incident.
READ ALSO: UPDATE: Death Toll Rises to 105 in Jigawa Tanker Explosion Tragedy
The Minister also advised Nigerians to steer clear of vehicles carrying petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical breakdowns.
He urged petroleum transporters to employ only certified drivers who adhere to the safety standards outlined by the Federal Road Safety Corps for transporting petroleum products.
Tinubu expresses his sorrow.
Following the tanker explosion in Jigawa State that resulted in the loss of over 100 lives, President Bola Tinubu has called for a thorough review of fuel transportation safety protocols throughout Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed that God would grant them strength to cope with their loss.
The announcement, signed by presidential aide Stanley Nkwocha, also declared that the federal government would promptly intervene to assist the victims of the tragedy.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, Shettima expressed his sorrow by stating, “My heart aches for those whose families have been torn apart by this disaster.”
“This tragic event has profoundly impacted us all. The Federal Government is in solidarity with the people of Jigawa. We are deploying all essential resources to aid those injured and support the families affected by this disaster,” he stated.
The Vice President also ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to promptly send personnel and resources to Jigawa State.
“As we grapple with this tragedy, let us also consider the vital role of safety measures and public awareness in preventing similar incidents in the future,” Shettima stressed.
“Every life holds immense value, and it is our responsibility to do everything possible to safeguard our citizens.”
The Vice President also praised the first responders and medical staff for their relentless efforts, saying that their dedication “embodies the finest qualities of our nation’s spirit.”
He assigned the council with setting targets for the National Road Safety Strategy and ensuring effective coordination among federal, state, and local governments to achieve common road safety goals.
Vice President Shettima highlighted the vital importance of road safety, remarking that “Road safety extends beyond just policy; it is an essential component of the lifeline linking this nation’s people.”
