A tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State has led to the mass burial of 140 victims. The incident occurred when a tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control and exploded after overturning near Khadija University, Majiya.

Around 90 other victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across the state following the explosion, which happened just after midnight. According to police reports, the disaster was triggered by residents rushing to collect fuel from the overturned tanker before the explosion sparked a massive fire.

Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, confirmed that 94 people died at the scene, while 50 others sustained severe injuries and were taken to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment. DSP Adam described the event as a "horrific tragedy," urging the public to stay away from accident sites, especially when petroleum products are involved.

Government Response and Investigation

In response, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has ordered an investigation into the tanker explosion. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Petroleum Resources, expressed deep regret over the incident, offering condolences to the victims' families. He directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster and advised Nigerians to avoid approaching accident scenes involving petroleum products.

The Minister also called for stricter enforcement of safety standards for drivers transporting petroleum products, highlighting the need for only certified drivers to handle such cargo.

President Tinubu's Condolences and Road Safety Review

President Bola Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and called for an urgent review of fuel transportation safety measures. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and announced federal government intervention for the victims.

Vice President Shettima also ordered the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to Jigawa State to assist those affected. He urged a national reflection on the importance of safety protocols and awareness to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing that every life is valuable.

Shettima further commended the first responders and medical teams for their swift actions, noting their efforts as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the nation. He underscored the importance of road safety and called for a coordinated approach between federal, state, and local governments to improve road safety and protect citizens.