The Governor of Jigawa State Umar Namadi, disclosed on Tuesday that the death toll from last week’s tanker explosion has risen to 181, with 80 people currently hospitalized and 210 families displaced.
“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 reporters after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Governor Namadi explained that he visited the President to brief him on the tragic incident, as Tinubu was on a working visit to Europe when the explosion occurred.
On October 15, a fuel tanker en route from Kano to Yobe overturned near Majiya village in Taura Local Government Area, causing a fuel spill.
When villagers attempted to scoop the fuel, a fire ignited, resulting in a deadly explosion that claimed numerous lives and left over 50 people injured.
In response to the tragedy, President Tinubu had directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead a federal delegation to Jigawa.
The team included the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; 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.
Governor Namadi expressed gratitude to the President for sending the delegation and informed the press that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has begun probing the explosion.
He assured the public that the state government is covering medical expenses for the injured and offering support to bereaved families.
“The President has also pledged support for the victims, demonstrating solidarity with Jigawa State and easing the burden on the affected families,” Namadi said.
The governor also noted that a state-led committee, chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, is investigating the root causes of the incident and will present its findings to the government.
Additionally, President Tinubu has instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal to investigate the explosion and propose measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Regarding possible prosecutions, Namadi stated that any legal actions would depend on the outcome of the committee’s report.
“The Jigawa State Government has taken care of the medical bills for all affected individuals, and we’ve initiated several interventions to help families move forward.
The President’s support has been a great relief,” he added.
