A mass burial has been conducted for 140 victims of a devastating petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
The tragic incident has left the entire community in mourning, as approximately 90 other victims remain in various hospitals across the state, receiving treatment for severe injuries.
The explosion occurred around midnight on Tuesday when a petrol tanker traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State lost control and overturned near Khadija University, Majiya. Residents reportedly rushed to the scene to scoop spilt fuel from the overturned tanker, leading to a deadly explosion.
According to the Jigawa State Police Command, 94 people were killed instantly, while 50 others were left severely injured.
“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 DSP Lawan Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State.
Adam described the explosion as a “horrific tragedy” and warned the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accident scenes.
In response to the incident, the Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the cause of the explosion.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed deep regret over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
“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,” read a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor.
Lokpobiri urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents, warning of the severe risks involved.
He also called on petroleum transporters to ensure only certified drivers, who comply with Federal Road Safety Corps safety standards, are employed to transport fuel.
The incident has drawn attention to the urgent need for increased safety awareness and adherence to transportation standards in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.