No fewer than 90 people were confirmed dead, following a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
Mr Shi’isu Adam, the Police Spokesperson in Jigawa, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
He also said that 50 other persons had been hospitalised for varying degree of injury due to the explosion.
”At about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majia Town, Taura local government area of Jigawa, the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and it exploded.
“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe. when the accident happened,” Adam said.
He said: ”we are worried that in-spite of police warning for people to steer clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts.
”People gathered around the accident scene, that is the reason for the mass casualty,” he said
The spokesperson said that a mass burial of the victims would hold by 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
He added that the injured were receiving medical attention at the Ringim General Hospital. (NAN )
FG To Review Safety Protocols After Jigawa Tanker Tragedy, Says Shettima
In the wake of a catastrophic tanker explosion in Jigawa State that claimed over 100 lives, Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced immediate federal government intervention and called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria.
The Vice President on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed particular sorrow for the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident and prayed that Almighty Allah grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, VP Shettima in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha said “My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster.”
“This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The Federal Government stands with the people of Jigawa. We are mobilising all necessary resources to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity,” he said.
The tragedy, which occurred in Majiya has thrown the entire nation in grief. In response, the Vice President has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) personnel and resources to Jigawa State.
“As we contend with this tragedy, let us also reflect on the importance of safety measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents in the future,” Shettima emphasised.
“Every life is precious, and we must do all we can to protect our citizens.”
The Vice President also commended first responders and medical personnel for their tireless efforts, stating their dedication “exemplifies the best of our nation’s spirit.”
VP Shettima had inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) last Friday with a charge on members to align with global best practices in reducing traffic crashes.
He tasked the council to set National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensure effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety objectives.
Vice President Shettima emphasised the critical nature of road safety, stating, “Road safety is not merely a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation.”
First Lady Tinubu Condoles Jigawa Over Tanker Explosion
The First Lady, Remi Tinubu has extended her heartfelt condolences to the Jigawa State Governor,Umar Namadi, and the people of the state following a tragic tanker explosion that occurred on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
In a statement personally signed by her,Mrs. Tinubu described the incident, which claimed numerous lives, left many injured, and caused significant property damage, as “most unfortunate.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,” the First Lady said, offering her sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by the explosion.
She also prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved and a swift recovery for those injured in the disaster.
“I pray that God grants the friends, families, and loved ones of the departed souls the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” she added.
The First Lady further prayed for the departed, asking that Almighty Allah grant them Aljanah Firdaus and bring peace to those mourning this tragic loss.
Abbas, Kalu Mourn
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has bemoaned the death of about 100 persons following Petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa State.
Speaker Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi on Wednesday said the incident was unfortunate.
Scores of people were confirmed dead when a tanker conveying petrol exploded in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Tuesday night.
Over 50 others also sustained various degrees of injuries and were hospitalised at Ringim General Hospital.
The driver was said to have lost control of the tanker, which left Kano en route to Nguru in Yobe State, leading to the accident.
The Speaker lamented the deaths and injuries, describing the incident as terrifying, and condoled the families of the deceased while praying for those injured to have quick recovery.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tanker explosion.
Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, also commiserated with the government and the entire people of Jigawa State over the sudden deaths.
He urged the relevant government agencies to quickly step in and provide expected reliefs and succour to the victims.
While wishing those hospitalized full and speedy recovery, Kalu also prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
He said: “I am profoundly saddened by the loss of over 100 precious lives and the injuries sustained by many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, and we share their grief and pain.
“The tanker explosion has left our nation in shock and mourning. We stand united in grief, resolving to support those affected and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
“No words can adequately express our sorrow for your loss. May the memories of your loved ones be a blessing, and may you find strength in the face of this unimaginable tragedy. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries”.
Tanker Fire: Tinubu Sends Delegation To Jigawa
President Bola Tinubu has directed Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa in response to Tuesday night inferno in Majia, which claimed over 100 lives.
The government delegation comprises Mohammed Badaru, Minister of Defence and Sen. Saidu Alkali, Minister of Transportation.
Others are: Mr Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Abdullahi Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West).
While in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.
President Tinubu further directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
“The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
“He expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.
“He prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed,” said the statement.
Tinubu reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, was committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.
He restated his directive to the FRSC to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations and other highway safety mechanisms.
He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards would be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur. (NAN)
Northern Governors Express Sorrow Over Jigawa Tanker Explosion
Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has expressed sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion that occured in Jigawa State, killing numerous persons and leaving several others injured.
The chairman of the forum and governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, made the expression in a press release by his Director General press affairs, Isma’ila Uba Misilli on Wednesday.
He condoled Jigawa State governor, Umar Namadi, and the families of the victims over the tragedy.
Governor Inuwa described the incident as deeply saddening, emphasising the need for stricter safety measures and public awareness to prevent future occurrences.
“This unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
“Authorities must implement stricter regulations governing fuel transportation and storage to minimise risks while public awareness campaigns are equally essential to educate citizens about the dangers of approaching accident sites, particularly those involving hazardous materials like petroleum products”., he advised.
