The death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria’s northern state of Jigawa has surpassed 100, according to a statement from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman. The devastating incident occurred late Tuesday night in the town of Majiya, located in the Taura local government area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Bayo Onanuga, a senior presidential spokesman, described the explosion as “devastating.” President Tinubu has since directed a delegation of senior officials to visit the site of the explosion, offer condolences to the families of the deceased, and assess the situation of those injured.
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Emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, is to be provided to the victims receiving treatment, as well as to others affected by the tanker fire. Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to a swift and thorough review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the nation.
To enhance road safety, the president has instructed the road safety police to increase patrols during nighttime travel, enforce safety regulations more strictly, and implement additional highway safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Initial reports from police confirmed at least 90 fatalities and around 50 injuries resulting from the explosion. Most of the victims had rushed to the scene to collect spilled gasoline after the tanker lost control and overturned.
A mass burial for the deceased was held on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by Shi’isu Lawan Adam, the Jigawa police spokesman.
