A petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has left more than 147 people dead and 72 others injured. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday when the tanker, en route from Kano to Yobe State, lost control and overturned near Khadija University, sparking a deadly inferno.
Taura Local Government Chairman, Shuaibu Hambali, confirmed the casualty figures, describing the scene as chaotic. Eyewitnesses reported frantic rescue efforts as the fire quickly spread. Sani Umar, a resident, recounted the terrifying moment: “People were running in all directions, screaming for help. The fire spread so fast that many couldn’t escape.”
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, the explosion was triggered by residents who had rushed to collect spilt petrol from the overturned tanker. “The inferno claimed 94 lives on the spot, with another 50 people sustaining severe injuries,” he said, adding that a mass burial was held for the victims.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa visited the site, offering condolences and pledging to cover medical expenses for the injured. President Bola Tinubu also dispatched a high-level federal delegation, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to assess the situation and deliver emergency aid.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Senate expressed sadness over the incident, urging public awareness on the dangers of scooping fuel. Senator Babangida Hussaini of Jigawa described the explosion as “catastrophic,” highlighting the recurring nature of such tragedies in the country.
In response, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, directed a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and called for stricter safety regulations for transporting petroleum products.
As the nation mourns, authorities are appealing for greater caution to prevent further loss of life in such incidents.
