Tears as Jigawa Lays to Rest 153 Victims of Tanker Explosion

There was mourning in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Wednesday after a petrol-laden tanker exploded, claiming at least 153 lives.

Reports indicate that 94 individuals died on the scene, while many others were rushed to Ringim General Hospital, where doctors worked to save their lives. Due to the overwhelming number of casualties, some victims were transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu when Ringim Hospital reached full capacity.

President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, and many Nigerians expressed their sorrow over the tragedy.

According to the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, 147 bodies were given a mass burial following the explosion, with over 55 individuals hospitalized. Many victims were burned beyond recognition.

As of Wednesday night, the police confirmed that 153 people had died, with more than 100 receiving treatment in hospitals. The mass burial for the deceased took place in Majiya town.

The incident occurred around 11:30 PM on Tuesday when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University. The tanker, which was en route from Kano to Nguru town in Yobe State, overturned and spilled its contents.

After the accident, villagers attempted to scoop the fuel, which led to the explosion.

Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that his team rescued around 50 injured individuals who were taken to various hospitals.

“The initial reports indicated that 95 people had died, but during the mass burial, we counted 147 bodies that we interred,” he stated. “We also rescued about 50 injured persons.”

Police spokesman Lawan Shiisu Adam reported that the incident involved a petrol tanker registered as KMC 6412 F, driven by Yusuf Mohd, a 32-year-old from Hotoro Quarters, Kano State.

“The tanker was traveling from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State, when the driver lost control near Khadija University in Majiya, causing it to overturn and spill fuel. The petrol flowed through drainage to the outskirts of the village. Unfortunately, villagers attempted to scoop the petrol from the drainage, igniting a fire that resulted in numerous fatalities,” Adam explained.

The police, along with firefighters and community members, successfully extinguished the fire.

Adam noted that despite police efforts to cordon off the area and warn the public, many individuals ignored the warnings and moved dangerously close to the site.

“The tanker loaded with petrol ignited shortly after the crash, causing an inferno that engulfed many people in the vicinity,” he added.

In light of the tragic event, Jigawa State Commissioner of Police A.T. Abdullahi extended condolences to the residents, especially the people of Majiya town.

Governor Umar Namadi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and visited the incident site, where he also participated in the funeral prayer for the deceased.

“This incident is the greatest tragedy that has befallen Jigawa State. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this painful time,” Namadi said, assuring that the government would cover medical expenses for the injured.

President Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa to assess the situation and provide support for the affected families.

In a statement, the President expressed his deepest condolences and emphasized the need for a swift review of fuel transportation safety protocols nationwide.

Vice President Shettima announced an immediate intervention and called for a comprehensive review of safety protocols regarding fuel transportation. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy for the families affected by the disaster and prayed for divine comfort for those mourning their losses.

The First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu, also extended her condolences, stating, “This tragic incident, which left many dead and several injured, is most unfortunate. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.”

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in a statement from its chairman, expressed sadness over the incident and urged citizens to avoid exploiting petrol spills due to their inherent dangers.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to initiate a thorough investigation into the tanker explosion. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, conveyed his condolences to the affected families and promised support for the injured.