In a tragic turn of events, the Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that over 95 people lost their lives, while 50 others sustained serious injuries, following an explosion involving a fallen petrol tanker at Majiya village in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday when villagers were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker.
According to reports, the tanker, which was en route from Port Harcourt to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control and toppled over as it reached Majiya village.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Adams, provided further details on the tragedy, stating, “Today, a petrol tanker from Port Harcourt going to Nguru in Yobe State reached Majiya village of Taura Local Government Area at around 12:30 a.m. when the driver lost control at Majiya and fell down.”
Adams explained that the tanker’s contents quickly spread through the village’s gutters and drainages, attracting villagers who began to collect the fuel. Unfortunately, the situation turned deadly when the fuel ignited, resulting in the horrific loss of lives and injuries. “As a result, 95 people confirmed dead and 50 have been hospitalised receiving treatment,” Adams reported.
In the aftermath, DSP Adams issued a caution to the community, urging villagers to avoid such dangerous situations in the future. As rescue efforts continue, authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and will likely implement measures to prevent similar tragedies.
