Mass burial has taken place for 140 victims of a petrol tanker explosion that took place at Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Wednesday.
Mourning the victims of the tanker explosion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently holidaying abroad, has called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols.
He spoke via a statement on Wednesday, that Vice President Kashim Shettima sent on his behalf.
Some 90 other victims are currently in various hospitals in the state receiving treatment.
The explosion broke out at midnight on Tuesday when the driver of the tanker, travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majiya.
According to the police, the fire was triggered by residents who had rushed to scoop spilt petrol after the tanker overturned.
“The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot,” Police Public Relations Officer of Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Adam, explained in a statement.
“The incident left another 50 people severely injured, who were then rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.”
DSP Adam described the scene as a “horrific tragedy,” emphasising the need for the public to understand the risks associated with scooping fuel from accident scenes.
Reacting to the tanker explosion accident in a statement through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the tanker explosion.
In the directive by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nnaemaka Okafor on Wednesday, the minister also expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The statement read: “The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left dozens more injured.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.
“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.”
The Minister also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures.
He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps, are employed to transport petroleum products.
Tinubu sympathised with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The statement signed by presidential aide Stanley Nkwocha also announced immediate federal government intervention for the victims of the tragedy.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, Shettima 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 Vice President also 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.”
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.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa in response to Tuesday night inferno in Majia town, which claimed over 100 lives.
The government delegation will comprise the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
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 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.
President Tinubu reassures the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, is committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.
He restates his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps (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 will be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
