The fatality toll recorded in the Monday petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa State rose to 147 on Wednesday, with over 100 victims already committed to mass burial.

The tragedy struck Majiya village in Taura Local Government Area (LGA) after a tanker accident spilled fuel in the community, claiming several households and family members.

The police command in the state confirmed on Wednesday that 105 villagers were burned beyond recognition, while 70 others, suffering various degrees of burns, were hospitalised.

However, the Chairman of Taura LGA, Shu’aibu Hambali, confirmed that the number of casualties had increased to 147 by Wednesday evening. Hambali told a local radio station in Kano, monitored by The Guardian.

The council chairman said the rise in numbers was due to those who later succumbed to burns, with the final figure confirmed during the mass burial conducted the previous night.

He further disclosed that 74 persons are still receiving treatment at medical centres in Jigawa, with some transferred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano.

The tragic incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday when a truck with registration number KMC 6412 F, Kano, loaded with product from the NNPC depot in Kano and heading to Nguru, Yobe State, fell off the road. The tanker overturned, spilling fuel into the village.

Police explained that the driver lost control near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura LGA, causing the tanker to overturn and spill fuel.

He added, “The petrol spilled through the drainage to the outskirts of the village. Unfortunately, some villagers attempted to scoop the spilled fuel from the drainage when the tanker burst into flames, engulfing the entire area.”

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has extended condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State following the unfortunate incident.

The governor described the tragedy as a “heart-wrenching incident” that marked a significant loss not only for Jigawa State but for the entire country.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed his deepest sympathies to Governor Umar Namadi, the government, and the people of Jigawa State.

The governor specifically offered condolences to the families of the deceased and the community of Majia, praying that Allah grants eternal peace to the souls of the departed and a speedy recovery to the injured.

He also prayed that such a catastrophe never occur again.

He said, “This gesture of commiseration demonstrates the solidarity and unity that exists among Nigerian states in times of crisis.

“The people of Jigawa State are in mourning, and the government is working to provide support to those affected.”