The Nigerian Senate has solicited urgent assistance for approximately 300 survivors of a devastating tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Jigawa State, resulting in the loss of around 100 lives.

Senator Hussaini Babangida (APC, Jigawa-West) raised the issue during a session dedicated to matters of urgent public importance.

He explained that the explosion happened along the Hadejia Expressway while individuals were attempting to scoop petrol from a fully loaded tanker.

“This is one incident too many, and it puts immense pressure on our already strained medical facilities,” Babangida remarked, stressing the critical need for support.

He reported that while nearly 100 people lost their lives, over 300 sustained various degrees of burns.

In response, the Senate has urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide immediate relief to the affected victims.

The lawmakers also called on security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the motion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the Jigawa State government to assist the survivors and implement awareness campaigns about the dangers associated with siphoning fuel from disabled tankers.

“This type of incident has happened before in Lagos, Ikeja, and even in my own community. We must take measures to prevent future occurrences,” Akpabio stated, highlighting the need for community safety.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.