By Olusegun Olanrewaju and Cross Udo
It was a day of anguish and sorrow yesterday as a mass burial was conducted for the over 100 victims of the Tuesday midnight petrol tanker explosion that took place at Majiya town, Taura local government area of Jigawa State.
Some 90 other victims of the ugly incident are currently in various hospitals in the state receiving treatment.
The explosion occurred at about midnight on Tuesday when the tanker driver, who was travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near the Khadija University, Majiya.
It was gathered that the tanker had departed Kano and was heading to Nguru but exploded after the driver lost control.
The police attributed the cause of the incident to residents who rushed to scoop up spilled petrol after the tanker overturned.
*Mass burial as 90 others in critical condition
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Adam, explained in a statement, “The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot.
“The incident left another 50 people severely injured, who were then rushed to Ringim and Hadejia general hospitals for treatment.”
The police spokesman described the scene as a ‘horrific tragedy’ and emphasised the need for the public to understand the risks associated with scooping fuel from accident scenes.
*SGF Akume leads FG’s delegation to mourn
President Bola Tinubu sent a high-level delegation to Jigawa yesterday over the tanker explosion.
The president directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa State to commiserate with the families and government.
Tinubu also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be provided to the 50 injured persons receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
This was stated in a release issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, entitled, ‘Tanker Fire: President Tinubu Sends High-Level Delegation to Jigawa.’
The statement reads, “The government delegation will comprise (Jigawa’s immediate past governor who is now) the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Yakasai.”
Onanuga said that while in Jigawa, the delegation would visit the incident scene to assess the situation and visit the injured persons in the hospital.
“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 of the souls of the departed,” the statement read.
*FG orders probe
In its immediate reaction to the accident, the Federal Government, in a statement through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the tanker explosion.
The directive by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, yesterday said the minister also expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The statement read in part: “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 complete recovery.
“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event promptly.”
The minister also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that are involved in accidents or mechanical failures.
He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are employed to transport petroleum products.
Lokpobiri added, “While we understand the temptation to scavenge, the dangers of attempting to collect spilt fuel cannot be overstated. The tragic loss of lives in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe risks involved.
“The ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians in all aspects of petroleum product distribution and transport.
”We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to enforce stricter safety measures and prevent future occurrences.”
*FG to review transportation safety protocol
Meanwhile, following the tanker explosion, President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President 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 tragedy’s victims.
In a condolence message yesterday, 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.”
The Vice President also directed the immediate deployment of 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,” Shettima emphasised.
He added, “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 with setting National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensuring 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.”
