Jigawa tanker explosion death toll rises to 181, displaces 210 families

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi revealed on Tuesday that 181 people have so far died in last week’s tanker explosion.

He also stated that 210 families were affected by the explosion, which has left 80 persons in hospital.

“The situation, as of today, is that we have about 181 people who died, about 80 people in the hospitals, and about 210 families affected,” Namadi told journalists after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

He explained that, given that the President was away in Europe on a working visit when the explosion occurred, Tuesday’s visit was meant to update him on the incident.

On October 15, a tanker transporting petrol from Kano to Yobe overturned near Majiya village, Taura Local Government Area, causing fuel to spill into a drainage.

Tragically, as villagers attempted to scoop the fuel, a fire broke out, leading to a massive explosion that engulfed the area.

The blast left several people dead on the spot, with over 50 individuals suffering injuries and being rushed to nearby hospitals.

Tinubu had directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa after the tragedy.

The delegation comprises Jigawa’s immediate past governor, who is now the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Commission, Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Yakasai.

Governor Namadi stated that he was at the State House to thank Tinubu for sending the delegation to Jigawa immediately after the incident, adding that this gesture was deeply appreciated.

The governor informed journalists that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced investigations into the explosion.

“I came to see Mr President, first of all, to welcome him back from his annual leave, and secondly, to brief him on what happened to us: the tragic tanker accident that occurred in Jigawa State, which claimed many lives.

“So I felt it was important to come and brief the President on what happened and what we are doing as a government, and also to thank him for sending a delegation to the state immediately after the incident.

“This action taken by the President was really appreciated by the people of Jigawa State, and I felt it was right to come and thank him for that and to brief him about the situation, about where we are and what we are trying to do,” he stated.

However, Namadi affirmed that his administration is assisting affected families, stating that the state government is covering medical bills for the injured and providing support for bereaved families.

“President Bola Tinubu has also pledged support for the victims. This gesture demonstrates solidarity with Jigawa State, easing the burden on affected families,” he said.

The governor mentioned that a committee he established is investigating the incident to ascertain its root causes.

The committee, which is being chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General, will present its recommendations to the state government.

Namadi also cited an earlier directive from President Tinubu to the Corps Marshal to investigate the incident and develop a lasting solution to prevent similar tragedies nationwide.

“The Jigawa State Government has taken care of the medical bills for all the affected individuals, and we have implemented various interventions for the families to ensure they can continue with their lives. Also, the President has promised to intervene and assist the victims.

“The state government has already established a high-powered committee under the chairmanship of a retired DIG to investigate the remote causes of what happened and advise the government on the appropriate actions to take.

“Additionally, the President has directed the Corps Marshal to investigate the matter and propose a permanent solution to this problem in the country,” he explained.

When asked if the state government would prosecute anyone for the explosion, he said, “Any prosecution will depend on the outcome of the committee report.”