….As Petrol Tanker Explosion Kills 90, In Jigawa

Nigeria has witnessed another horrible petrol-laden tanker explosion at Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The terrible hydrocarbon inferno which acclaimed lives of over 90 persons, with 50 others hospitalized occurred in the early hours of Wednesday

This horrific scene is coming barely a few days after the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen, Heineken Lokpobiri called on the Nigeria Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) to be steadfast and committed to implementing measures that will eliminate or reduce such incidents to the barest minimum

The minister reiterated this call during a courtesy visit by the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Shehu Mohammed to his office. He emphasized that the frequent petroleum tanker explosion incidents being witnessed across the nation are becoming sources of concern to all and sundry.

“I emphasized the need for robust cooperation between the FRSC and the Ministry, alongside its agencies such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to achieve the highest safety standards in the transportation of petroleum products.

“I commended the Corps Marshal and the entire FRSC team for their relentless efforts in ensuring road safety nationwide. With this partnership, I am confident we will achieve significant results in protecting the public from the dangers associated with petroleum transportation. Lokpobiri asserted.

According report available in media space and affirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Adam, the residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed over 90 persons on the spot. 

“The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot,” DSP Adam explained.

“The incident left another 50 people severely injured, who were then rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.”

DSP Adam disclosed that the authorities have commenced a mass burial for the victims on Wednesday morning, with the entire community mourning the loss.