In response to the devastating tanker explosion in Majia town, Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives, President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a high-level Federal Government delegation to the state.
The tragedy occurred on Tuesday night, leaving scores dead and 50 others critically injured.
The President has directed Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to lead the delegation. Joining him are the 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.
The delegation will visit the scene of the accident and check on the injured receiving treatment at local hospitals.
The President has also ordered the immediate provision of emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, to support those affected by the tragedy.
Expressing his grief, President Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident. He prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.”
President Tinubu also reassured the nation of the government’s commitment to reviewing fuel transportation safety protocols, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He emphasized stricter enforcement of safety regulations and increased patrols, particularly during night travels, to curb accidents involving fuel tankers.
“Those found responsible for breaches of safety standards will be held accountable,” Onanuga stated, reaffirming the administration’s determination to ensure such incidents do not recur.