Jigawa Gov. Visits Tanker Explosion Site As Police, FRSC Confirms 140 Dead, 110 Injured … Plus Mass burial site, Others Images

By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state on Wednesday morning visited the tanker explosion site in Majia town in Taura local government as conflicting reports herald the casualty figures ranging from 100 to 140 dead while 50 to 110 were rescued with injuries and are currently receiving treatments at various hospitals.

The governor who was accompanied by top government officials visited the scene where he condoled with the victims of the explosion as preparations were near conclusion for the mass burial of the deceased persons.

The governor, who departed Government House Dutse at 10:00 am on Wednesday expressed the concern, condolences to the families of the victims of the explosion and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the souls of the departed rest in Janatul Fridaus.

Similarly, he plegded the decision of the government to take up medical responsibilities of the injured, while assuring that state government would do all within its powers

Meanwhile, the State Police Command had confirmed the death of over 95 persons while over 50 others were seriously injured while scooping petrol from a fallen tanker at Majia village of Taura local government area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred at 12:30 am on Wednesday when the villagers were scooping fuel from the fallen petrol tanker which later suddenly exploded into flames.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Lawal Shishu Adam in a statement on Wednesday confirmed the incident.

“Today, a petrol tanker from Port Harcourt going to Nguru in Yobe State reached Majia village of Taura local government area at around 12:30am when the driver lost control at Majia and fell down.

“The content in the tanker flooded gutters and drainages in the village. The villagers started scooping the fuel when the petrol was already inflames.

“As a result, 95 people confirmed dead and 50 injured have been hospitalised receiving treatment,” Adams disclosed.

However, other sources claimed that about 140 were killed while about 110 persons were rescued with various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatments at various hospitals in the state.

The police image maker cautioned the villagers to distance themselves from similar situation in the future.