*No fewer than 105 people who died in tanker explosion in Jigawa State have been buried
*Explosion took place in Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area of the state
*They were alleged to have been scooping spilled fuel from a fallen tanker when it exploded
*As FG orders thorough investigation into remote, immediate causes of the accident
By Our Reporter with agency report
No fewer than105 people who were confirmed dead following a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State and were burnt beyond recognition have been given a mass burial.
The Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Shiisu Adam, who was quoted to have confirmed the figure yesterday, said that about 55 people sustained various degrees of injuries and were hospitalized at Ringim General Hospital.
“As I am talking to you now, the casualty figure is about 105 and the number of injured is 55 as against the 50 earlier confirmed,” he said.
According to him, the incident occurred at about 11:30 pm on Tuesday night in Majia Town, when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University.
The tanker, he said, left Kano, on its way to Nguru town in Yobe State, when the tanker driver eventually lost control of the vehicle and it exploded.
It was gathered that after the incident some people went there to scoop the spilled product which led to the death of many persons.
It was also gathered that some injured persons have also been taken to Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu due to the limited number of beds at the Ringim General Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to investigate the explosion.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri in a directive signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor on Wednesday, also expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
“The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left dozens more injured.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.
“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event”, the statement read.
Lokpobiri also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures. He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers, who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), are employed to transport petroleum products.
“While we understand the temptation to scavenge, the dangers of attempting to collect spilt fuel cannot be overstated. The tragic loss of lives in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe risks involved.
“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians in all aspects of petroleum product distribution and transport. We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to enforce stricter safety measures and prevent future occurrences”, he said.
