1 month ago
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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa State.
This follows a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Majiya village, Jigawa, on Tuesday night, which has so far claimed over 105 lives.
Tinubu also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be provided to the 50 injured persons receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
This was stated in a release signed on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, titled, ‘Tanker Fire: President Tinubu Sends High-Level Delegation to Jigawa’.
The statement reads, “The government delegation will comprise [Jigawa’s immediate past governor who is now] the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Yakasai.”
The tanker, transporting petrol from Kano to Yobe, overturned near Khadija University, causing fuel to spill into a drainage system.
Tragically, as villagers attempted to scoop the fuel, a fire ignited, leading to a massive explosion that engulfed the area.
The blast claimed several lives on the spot, with over 50 individuals sustaining injuries and being rushed to nearby hospitals.
Onanuga said that while in Jigawa, the delegation would visit the incident scene to assess the situation and visit the injured persons in the hospital.
“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 expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.
“He prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed,” the statement read.
Tinubu also reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, is committed to a swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols nationwide.
He reiterated his directive to the Federal Road Safety Corps to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.
Tinubu further stated that 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.
