A mass burial has been held for 140 victims of the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria on Wednesday.
Approximately 90 other victims are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state.
The explosion happened shortly after midnight on Tuesday when the driver of the tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majiya. The overturned tanker subsequently exploded, causing a deadly inferno.
According to police reports, the explosion was triggered by residents who had rushed to collect fuel from the overturned tanker.
“The residents were scooping fuel when the explosion occurred, resulting in a massive fire that killed 94 people on the spot,” said Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, in a statement. He added that another 50 people were severely injured and rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.
DSP Adam described the event as a “horrific tragedy,” urging the public to avoid such dangerous activities at accident scenes.
Federal Government Orders Investigation
In response to the accident, the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, ordered an investigation into the cause of the explosion. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident.
A statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, conveyed Lokpobiri’s deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries caused by the explosion. The minister extended condolences to the victims’ families and called for swift recovery for the injured.
He also urged Nigerians to stay away from accident scenes involving petroleum products and advised transporters to ensure that only certified drivers are employed to handle the transportation of such goods.
President Tinubu Mourns Victims
President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country in the wake of the explosion. In a statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for their strength during this difficult time.
The statement, signed by presidential aide Stanley Nkwocha, announced the immediate intervention of the Nigerian Government to assist the victims. Shettima emphasised the need for increased public awareness and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, stating that “every life is precious, and we must do all we can to protect our citizens.”
The Vice President also praised the first responders and medical personnel for their efforts and highlighted the importance of road safety coordination between federal, state, and local governments.
“Road safety is not just a policy matter; it’s a critical part of the lifeline connecting the people of this nation,” Shettima concluded.