Tinubu Sends Federal Team To Jigawa After Deadly Fuel Tanker Explosion Kills 105

President Bola Tinubu has instructed Senator George Akume to lead a federal government team to Jigawa State after a fuel tanker explosion in Majiya village lead to the deaths of 105 people.

The incident took place Tuesday night. Tinubu ordered Wednesday that emergency help be provided, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, for the 50 injured people receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.

The tanker was carrying petrol from Kano to Yobe when it overturned near Khadija University, causing fuel to spill into a drainage system. As villagers tried to collect the spilled fuel, a fire broke out, resulting in a huge explosion that spread throughout the area.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga shared this information in a statement, titled "Tanker Fire: President Tinubu Sends High-Level Delegation to Jigawa" on X.

"The government delegation will comprise [Jigawa's immediate past governor who is now] the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Yakasai," it mentioned.

"The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident," the statement mentioned. "He expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief."

Tinubu also assured the country that the government was working with the states, and was dedicated to quickly and thoroughly reviewing fuel transportation safety rules across Nigeria.

He emphasized his order to the Federal Road Safety Corps to improve safety for night travel, including more patrols, stricter enforcement of safety rules, and other highway safety measures.

The president added that anyone found responsible for breaking safety standards will be held accountable, reinforcing the government's commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.

Last month, a petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road in Niger State led to the death of 48 people and 50 cows.