In Majiya town, in Jigawa State’s Taura Local Government Area, there were weeping on Wednesday when a petrol-laden tanker exploded, killing at least 153 people. According to reports, 94 people died at the scene, while other injured people were taken to Ringim General Hospital where medical professionals were fighting for their lives. When there were no more beds available at Ringim Hospital due to the high number of casualties, additional victims were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu. Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Bola Tinubu, his wife Oluremi, governors, and numerous other Nigerians expressed their sorrow over the occurrence. Following the explosion, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency announced that 147 people were given mass burials, and more than 55 people were admitted to different hospitals. The majority of the victims suffered irreversible burns. 153 people had been verified deceased and another 100 were seeking medical attention in hospitals, according to a statement released at the time of bed by Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Jigawa State Police Command’s public relations officer. On Wednesday, Majiya town held a mass burial for the deceased. The tanker driver lost control of the vehicle in Majia, close to Khadija University, on Tuesday at around 11:30 p.m. Before the driver lost control and the tanker collapsed with its contents, it was said to have departed Kano and was traveling to Nguru town in Yobe State. It was learned that some individuals went there to retrieve the product following the incident, a move that ultimately resulted in the explosion.Dr. Haruna Mairiga, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that there were 147 casualties. He also stated that his team saved approximately fifty additional people and sent them to several hospitals across the state. “When we first arrived, we were informed that approximately 95 people had died, but during the mass burial, we were able to count 147 bodies, which we all gave mass burial to,” he stated. “We also transported roughly fifty injured people to various hospitals throughout the state.”In confirming the occurrence, the police spokesperson stated, “The tragic event happened on October 15, 2024, at roughly 2230hrs, involving a gasoline truck carrying Driven by Yusuf Mohd’m’, a 32-year-old resident of Hotoro Quarters, Kano State, the tanker, registration number KMC 6412 F, overturned and spilled petrol while it was en route from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State. The driver lost control of the vehicle close to Khadija University in Majia town, Taura LGA. “The gasoline reached the village’s periphery via the drainage system. Sadly, when residents tried to scrape gasoline out of the drains, a fire broke out and many people are said to have died. According to him, Divisional Police Officer Gujungu, Area Commander Ringim, and his troops hurriedly arrived to the spot. A total of 105 dead have been removed, while 50 injured people have been sent to the Hadejia and Ringim General Hospitals for treatment. “The Thanks to the coordinated efforts of police, firefighters, and good Samaritans, the fire was effectively put out. The police command ascribed the large number of fatalities and injuries on local residents’ frantic attempts to get the commodity. Despite the police’s best efforts to keep everyone away and warn them, Adam claimed that individuals persisted and began scooping gasoline, which resulted in a disastrous explosion. He continued by saying that several bystanders disregarded warnings and approached the accident site irresponsibly, making it difficult for the police to maintain control of the area. “Shortly after the collision, the gasoline-loaded tanker caught fire, engulfing many nearby residents in the conflagration. “The wounded were sent right away to the Medical staff at the General Hospital in Ringim are treating the injured twenty-four hours a day. Nevertheless, since a number of the injured are still in critical condition, the death toll is probably going to go up. He claimed that since then, A.T. Abdullahi, the state’s commissioner of police, has expressed sympathy and condolences to all of the state’s citizens, particularly those in Majiya town, where the tragedy took place. Governor Umar Namadi offered his condolences to the people for the untimely deaths. Namadi quickly went to the scene of the occurrence and participated in saying the deceased’s burial prayer. He called the event the worst catastrophe to ever affect Jigawa State. “During this difficult moment, our prayers and thoughts are with the victims’ families. The governor declared, “We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones and those injured in this tragic incident.” The governor added that all injuries sustained in the fire would be covered by the government. On Monday, Tinubu sent George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, instructions to head a delegation from the Federal Government to Jigawa.In addition, he gave the order to provide emergency medical supplies, food, and lodging to fifty injured individuals undergoing treatment as well as other fire victims. “The government delegation will comprise [Jigawa’s immediate past governor who is now] the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, Mr. Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Yakasai,” according to a statement signed on Wednesday by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Onanuga stated that the group would visit the hospitalized injured and the place of the tragedy to evaluate the situation while in Jigawa. With heavy hearts, the President and Vice President offer their sincere condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic event. He offers the Jigawa government and people his sincere condolences and support at this terrible period of loss and mourning. According to the statement, “he prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.” Additionally, President Tinubu informed the people that the federal government is dedicated to reviewing fuel transportation safety measures countrywide as soon as possible and thoroughly, working
