The Jigawa State Police Command Wednesday attributed the high number of casualties and injured persons in Tuesday night’s fuel tanker explosion to desperate moves by the people in the area to scoop the product after spilling on the road.
The accident, according to report, occurred at Majiya town in Taura local government area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse.
The explanation came as Governor Umar Namadi joined a sea of sympathisers during the funeral rites in honour of about 105 victims burnt beyond recognition, after which they were buried in a mass grave.
The governor, who described the tragedy as the worst to have happened in the history of the state, also said the state government had opted to pick up the hospital bills of all the victims, including the 70 survivors.
Speaking at the site of the mass burial of the victims, Governor Namadi said: “As Muslims, we have taken the accident as will of Allah the Almighty, who gives and takes at the time He wants it. We pray for the deceased to be admitted into the paradise ‘Jannatil Firdau’.”
…Police account
Giving an account of how the tragedy happened, the state police command said “the devastating incident occurred on October 15, 2024 at about 22 hrs,” and involved a petrol tanker with registration number KMC 6412 F, driven by one Yusuf Mohammed, aged 32 of Hotoro Quarters, Kano state.
“The tanker was traveling from Kano to Nguru, Yobe state when the driver lost control near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura LGA, causing it to overturn and spill fuel. The petrol entered through the drainage to the outskirts of the village.
“Unfortunately, villagers attempted to scoop petrol from the drainage, resulting in a flame that engulfed the area and many people reportedly perished.
“Despite the efforts of the police, who had cordoned off the area and issued warnings to the public, people resisted and started scooping the fuel, triggering a devastating explosion,” he explained.
Shiisu said: “The tanker, loaded with petrol, ignited shortly after the crash, causing an inferno that engulfed numerous people in the vicinity,” he further said in a voice note sent to journalists.”
The police spokesman said the area commander of Ringim Divisional Police Office, Gujungu and their men responded by dashing to the scene to avert further danger.
“105 corpses have been evacuated, while 50 injured persons were rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for medical attention.
“The fire was successfully extinguished through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters, and good Samaritans,” he said.
He further explained that the state Commissioner of Police, A .T Abdullahi, had expressed his condolences to the people of Majia town and the state as a whole, praying to Allah to forgive the departed and heal the injured.
The police image maker also quoted the CP as warning the people to always stay away from such sites to avoid loss of lives and property.
…Eyewitness
Also, aneyewitness, who sought anonymity, said the incident occurred around 11 pm on Tuesday night when the tanker driver was trying to dodge a vehicle that broke down on the main road.
He said in the process of trying to meander his way, the driver lost control and while the tanker, fully loaded with fuel content, fell on the road and the head of the truck cut off from the main body, with the content spilling and flowing on the main road and through the drainages.
And immediately it happened, said the source, “the residents rushed to the scene and started scooping the fuel, and suddenly, the tanker exploded and burnt 105 or more to death while injuring over 70 others currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.”
…Tinubu mourns
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a federal government delegation to condole with the government and people of the state over the tanker explosion.
The government delegation would comprise Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Transportation Senator Saidu Alkali, Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West) Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
While in Jigawa, the delegation would visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said in a statement Wednesday in Abuja.
“The president directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
“The president joined the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
“He expressed heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.
“He prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.
“The president reassured the nation that the federal government, in collaboration with states, is committed to the swift and 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.
“He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards will be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur,” the statement added.
…NGF grieves
Also, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Wednesday said it was saddened at the reported death of 105 persons in the tanker explosion.
The NGF, in a statement personally signed by its chairman, and governor of Kwara state, Malam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described the reported circumstances of the incident as worrisome, urging citizens to avoid taking advantage of petrol spills because of its volatility and existential danger.
“This unfortunate incident again calls attention to a need for improved safety protocols in the handling of combustible materials like petrol, including during unforeseen circumstances such as accident,” the statement added.
“Our hearts are with His Excellency Governor Umar Namadi, the people of the state, and families involved in the incident. We ask Almighty Allah to grant them solace at this trying time and admit the deceased to al-jannah Firdaus,” he said.