The Jigawa State Police Command on Sunday said that the recent petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area, has claimed 173 lives, with 70 others hospitalised.
Lawan Shiisu, the state’s police spokesperson, disclosed this to The Cable on Sunday.
The explosion, which happened between late Tuesday and Wednesday morning, initially had a death toll of 105.
The toll later rose to 147 after an official count on Wednesday, as confirmed by Shu’aibu Hambali, Chairman of Taura Local Government Area.
THE WHISTLER reported that the incident happened when a petrol tanker traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State lost control and overturned, spilling its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Following the crash, residents rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker when it exploded, leaving many burnt, while others were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu, that later ran out of bed space due to the influx of patients.
A statement released on Thursday October 17, by Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, launched an investigation into the petrol tanker explosion.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to hold those responsible accountable following a petrol tanker explosion in Majia town, Jigawa.
Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a delegation to the affected area on assessment and condolence visit.
In a statement on Thursday, October 17, Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), confirmed the launch of an investigation into the incident.
On Friday, October 18, Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, and Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno State, visited the explosion site. They were joined by Umar Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources.
Lokpobiri described the incident as unprecedented and urged citizens to avoid collecting fuel from overturned tankers, stressing that the risks far outweigh the benefits.
He also revealed that the government is implementing policies to prevent such accidents, including ensuring that only certified and roadworthy tankers transport fuel.
The minister said, “We’ve been hearing of this type of development in different parts of the country, but none has been on this scale. So when we heard of what happened, we had to come.
“Myself and the head of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who oversees the monitoring of both the mainstream and downstream sectors, along with the leadership of NMDPRA, had to come and see things for ourselves.
“We’ve been to the government house, condoled with the government and the people of the state, and felt it was necessary to visit the site as well.
“We also witnessed the grief, the mass grave, where over a hundred people are buried, and we want to take this opportunity to condole with the families of those who have lost their lives.
“We also appeal to Nigerians that if they see any fuel tanker like this, they should not go near. The amount of petrol taken cannot justify risking one’s life.
“I want to use this opportunity to urge Nigerians to report such incidents to the nearest police station, road safety officers, NMDPRA, or any relevant authority, so they can secure the area and save lives.
“Government is also taking steps to ensure that incidents like this do not happen. We’re implementing certain policies, ensuring that trucks carrying products are certified by NMDPRA, road safety, and other agencies working with us.
“Going forward, only roadworthy and certified vehicles will be allowed to transport products to different parts of the country.”
Dangote and Ganduje extended their condolences to the bereaved families, while Ganduje praised the resilience of survivors during his visit to the Rashida Shekoni Teaching Hospital in Dutse.
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi expressed gratitude to the officials and stated the ongoing discussions with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to improve safety protocols, including the redesign of fuel tanks.