A mass burial was held for 140 victims of the petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, following the devastating incident on Wednesday.
Around 90 other victims are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state. The explosion occurred just after 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 overturned, and residents rushed to collect the spilled petrol, triggering a massive explosion. According to DSP Lawan Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer of Jigawa State Command, the inferno claimed 94 lives instantly, with another 50 people severely injured and hospitalized.
DSP Adam described the scene as a “horrific tragedy” and emphasized the dangers of scooping fuel from accident sites.
In response, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the cause of the explosion. Minister of Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri expressed deep sorrow over the loss of over 100 lives and extended condolences to the affected families.
President Bola Tinubu also called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu expressed his grief for the victims and pledged immediate federal intervention, including mobilizing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid to the affected families.
Shettima commended the first responders and medical teams for their dedicated efforts and emphasized the need to reflect on the importance of safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
