Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has confirmed the tragic death toll from the recent tanker explosion in Taura LGA, Jigawa State, now at 181, with 80 more individuals critically injured and receiving treatment.
The disaster occurred on October 15 when a petrol tanker en route from Kano to Yobe exploded in Majia, claiming over 100 lives instantly, many of whom were reportedly attempting to scoop fuel from the wreckage.
Governor Namadi, following his visit to the Presidential Villa to brief President Bola Tinubu on the situation, disclosed that a total of 210 families have been impacted by the disaster. He also expressed gratitude for the federal government’s swift response, including sending a delegation immediately after the incident.
To investigate the root causes of the explosion, the state government has set up a high-powered committee led by a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police. This committee will assess the situation and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
READ ALSO : Tragic petrol tanker explosion kills 90, injures 50 in Jigawa State
President Tinubu has also directed the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and propose long-term solutions to address tanker-related accidents across the country. Meanwhile, the state government has assumed responsibility for the medical bills of all affected individuals and provided support to the families to help them recover from the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as the fire rapidly spread. Sani Umar, a resident who narrowly escaped, recalled: “It was terrifying. People were running in every direction, screaming for help. The flames moved so fast that many couldn’t escape.”
A mass burial for the victims was scheduled for October 16, while the injured are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals in the state. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by fuel tanker accidents and the need for greater public caution.
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