Majiya village in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State is in deep mourning after a petroleum tanker explosion claimed over 109 lives and left 54 others with severe burns. The tragic incident has drawn attention and sympathy from leaders across Nigeria, as the community grapples with the devastating aftermath.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when a petroleum tanker overturned, and its fuel began spilling into the gutters and drainages of Majiya village. Villagers gathered to scoop the fuel, leading to a massive explosion that killed many and injured dozens. The spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, DSP Lawal Shisu Adam, confirmed that the tanker lost control and fell, resulting in the tragic fire.
“The content in the tanker flooded the gutters, and the villagers started fetching the fuel. Unfortunately, the petrol burst into flames, leading to 95 immediate fatalities and hospitalizing 50 people,” DSP Adam explained. He also warned the community against engaging in similar actions in the future to avoid such disasters.
The explosion prompted a swift response from Jigawa State officials. Governor Umar Namadi, along with his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman, and other state leaders, attended a mass burial for 107 of the victims. The burial drew thousands of mourners, including family members, political figures, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, who gathered to pay their respects to those who lost their lives.
Addressing the grieving families and community members, Governor Namadi described the event as an “unprecedented tragedy in the history of Jigawa State.” He expressed his condolences to the families, urging them to find comfort in prayer. “In this critical time, we have nothing to do but pray to Almighty Allah to grant the souls of our departed sons and brothers eternal rest,” he said.
The governor assured the community that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents. He directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the damage and provide immediate relief to affected families. Additionally, he pledged that the state would cover the medical expenses of the injured victims, some of whom are being treated in Hadejia General Hospital, Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu, and Jahun General Hospital.
The scale of the tragedy has drawn national attention, prompting President Bola Tinubu to dispatch a federal delegation to Jigawa State. The team, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, includes high-ranking officials such as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali. The delegation is set to visit the site of the explosion and offer support to the victims and their families. President Tinubu also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies and food, be provided to those affected.
In a statement through his spokesperson, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed his sorrow over the disaster, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures for fuel transportation. “My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster,” he said, urging a review of protocols to prevent future occurrences.
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Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the explosion. Ibrahim Shehu, a resident of Majiya, explained that the fire started in the gutters where people had gathered to collect the spilled fuel. “The fire did not start from the tanker; it started from the gutter, where people gathered to scoop the petroleum,” he said. He also noted that law enforcement officers tried to prevent people from scooping the fuel but were overwhelmed by the crowd.
The impact of the explosion has been deeply felt throughout the community. Mustapha Shehu, who lost his 25-year-old brother in the blaze, said, “This is the biggest catastrophe we have ever had in the history of Majiya town. Everybody here is in mourning.”
Mustapha Abdusalam Majiya, who lost more than 50 relatives in the explosion, was inconsolable. “We are counting more than 50 whom we have lost in the tragedy from sons and grandsons of our family,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I can’t add anything except Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun,” he added, invoking a prayer for the departed.
In response to the disaster, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) have also expressed their condolences. NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, emphasized the importance of public awareness about the dangers of approaching accident sites, especially those involving hazardous materials like petroleum. The NSGF’s chairman, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, called for stricter safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has ordered an investigation into the cause of the explosion. He urged citizens to avoid approaching vehicles carrying petroleum products in the event of accidents, stressing the importance of safety.