About 105 people lost their lives in Majiya village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following a tanker truck explosion that occurred just after midnight on Tuesday. The tragic incident also left approximately 70 people injured, eyewitnesses told The Guardian.

The tanker, with registration number KMC 6412 F, Kano, was reportedly transporting petroleum products from the NNPC depot in Kano to Nguru, Yobe State, when it crashed, resulting in a devastating fire.

In a statement by DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, the accident occurred when the truck veered off the road and overturned, spilling fuel around the area.

“The driver lost control of the truck near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura LGA, causing it to overturn and spill petrol. The fuel flowed through the drainage system to the outskirts of the village,” the statement read.

Tragically, some villagers attempted to scoop the spilt fuel, leading to a catastrophic explosion that engulfed the surrounding area. “Many people were burned beyond recognition,” DSP Adam confirmed.

The police spokesperson noted that officers from Ringim Area Command and the Divisional Police Station in Gujungu were immediately dispatched to the scene for rescue efforts.

A total of 105 bodies were recovered from the scene, while 50 injured victims were rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

“The fire was eventually put out through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters, and local residents. The Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State, CP AT Abdullahi, psc, has extended his condolences to the people of Majia town and the entire state,” the statement added.

CP Abdullahi also urged citizens to avoid accident sites involving fuel tankers due to the high risk of explosion and other hazards associated with petroleum products.