The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of 105 people, with 55 others seriously injured, following a fuel tanker explosion at Majiya in Taura Local Council.

The incident occurred while locals were scooping petrol from a fallen tanker late Tuesday night.

The accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Khadija University when the tanker lost control and burst into flames.

Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle, with registration number KMC 6412 F from Kano, had loaded fuel at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot in Kano and was en route to Nguru in Yobe State when the crash occurred.

The scene was described as horrific, with many victims burned beyond recognition.

Police Command spokesperson Shiisu Adam confirmed the death toll and injured. He stated that many of the injured were receiving treatment at Ringim General Hospital, with some transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu due to limited hospital capacity.

“As I speak, the casualty figure stands at 105 dead, and 55 injured, up from the 50 earlier reported,” Adam said. “After the tanker overturned, people rushed to the site to scoop the fuel, which led to the deadly explosion.”

The fire was eventually extinguished through the combined efforts of police, firefighters and local Good Samaritans. Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State, CP A.T. Abdullahi, expressed his condolences to the people of Majiya and the state, mourning the devastating loss of life.

The police attributed the high casualty rate to the desperation of locals who ignored warnings and police efforts to cordon off the area. Despite being cautioned, residents gathered at the scene to collect fuel, triggering the explosion.

This incident follows a similar tragedy in Niger State last month, where at least 59 people died when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.

In the wake of the disaster, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families and announced immediate federal intervention to support those affected by the tragedy.

“My heart aches for those whose families have been torn apart by this disaster,” Shettima said. “This devastating incident has shaken us to our core. The Federal Government stands with the people of Jigawa, and we are mobilising all necessary resources to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity.”

The Vice President directed the immediate deployment of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) personnel and resources to Jigawa State. He also stressed the importance of safety measures and public awareness to prevent future incidents, stating, “Every life is precious, and we must do all we can to protect our citizens.”

Shettima called for setting National Road Safety Strategy targets and urged greater coordination between federal, state, and local councils to achieve shared road safety objectives. “Road safety is not just a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation,” he added.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the explosion.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed deep regret over the circumstances surrounding the incident and extended condolences to the affected families.

“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,” he said.

The Minister also appealed to Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products involved in accidents or suffering mechanical failures, warning of the potential danger.

Lokpobiri further urged petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who follow safety standards set by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are employed to transport petroleum products.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving safety in the distribution and transportation of petroleum products, Lokpobiri pledged collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen the enforcement of safety measures and prevent further such tragedies.