The victims were said to be scooping spilled petrol from an overturned fuel tanker after the driver reportedly lost control of the petrol laden tanker.
Eye witnesses said the incident occurred at 12:30 pm on Tuesday when the ill fated tanker conveying fuel from Kano to Yobe State had the accident at Majiya town in Jigawa State.
Official reports on Wednesday indicated that no fewer than 50 persons sustained varying degrees of injury during the explosion.
Police authorities said the victims and other residents in the locality had rushed to the scene to scoop up the spilled fuel when the tanker exploded, igniting a massive fire.
“The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot,” said Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam.
Adam said more than 50 persons who sustained serious injuries were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa State.
The government delegation will comprise the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
While in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in hospital.
Tinubu directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the more than 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
A statement on Wednesday released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the President extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
“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 for the souls of the departed,” the statement added.
President Tinubu pledged his commitment to a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.
He restated his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.
Tinubu said anyone found responsible for breaches of safety standards will be held accountable as he reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu yesterday expressed deep pain over the tanker explosion.
A statement through Levinus Nwabughiogu, his Chief Press Secretary, disclosed that Kalu extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, while commiserating with the government and the entire people of Jigawa State over the sudden deaths.
Also reacting to the incident, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the tanker explosion.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, in a statement issued by the ministry, expressed regrets over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The statement read: “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.
“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.”
The Minister also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures.
He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps, are employed to transport petroleum products.
Source- Daily Asset Online
