Shettima, Buhari, Badaru Mourn Victims
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to hold those responsible accountable following a petrol tanker explosion in Majia town, Jigawa, which claimed over 100 lives on Tuesday night.
The petrol-laden tanker reportedly overturned and exploded along the Kano-Hadejia Expressway in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a delegation to the affected area on assessment and condolence visit.
The delegation include the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
They are to also ensure that persons injured in the disaster receive immediate aid.
According to the statement, the aid will include medical supplies, food, and shelter for about 50 survivors currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.
“While in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital.
“President Tinubu further directs that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire,” the statement read in part.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured the nation that measures would be taken to improve fuel transportation across the country.
He gave a directive to the FRSC to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.
He assured that those found in breach of safety standards would face severe consequences as part of the government’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.
The Jigawa State Police Command had initially announced 94 deaths in the explosion which happened late Tuesday when the tanker lost control near Majia Town, close to Khadija University.
The police later said about 70 other victims were receiving treatment at health facilities in Ringim and Hadejia.
Speaking further on Wednesday, Shi’isu Adam, spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, said the victims were caught in the inferno while attempting to scoop fuel from the tanker after it overturned.
The police said Yusuf Muhammad, 32, the driver of the tanker with registration number KMC 6412 F, had lost control while en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State.
Adam expressed concern that despite repeated warnings from authorities to avoid accident sites involving fuel tankers, citizens continued to engage in risky behaviours.
He said a mass burial for the victims was held on Wednesday morning, while the injured are receiving treatment at Ringim General Hospital.
“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.
“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,” Adam said
The FRSC Public Relation Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, revealed on Wednesday that the DAF tanker lost control after the driver attempted to avoid a speed bump at high speed, leaving no initial casualties. However, he said the fire was ignited when residents rushed to collect fuel from the scene.
On Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria.
Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sympathised with the families who lost loved ones in the incident
“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 Vice President 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 noted.
“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.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has similarly expressed grief over the incident.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari described the incident as one of the “deadliest” the country has witnessed in recent times.
“The oil tanker mishap at Majiya, Jigawa State is utterly painful. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover quickly,” the former President said.
Buhari also extended his sympathies to the state government and people of Jigawa State.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, in his reaction, extended his condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State.
Speaking through his spokesman, Mati Ali, Badaru said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic fuel tanker explosion that claimed precious lives and left many injured. My heart goes out to the people of Jigawa State during this difficult time. I pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may Almighty God grant their families the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May the injured recover quickly and fully,” he said.
Jigawa Tanker Explosion: Tinubu Vows Justice As Over 100 Die is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
