The death toll from Tuesday’s fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State has tragically increased to 168, with over 100 individuals sustaining various degrees of injuries and currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.
One of the survivors, Sabitu Yahaya, recounted his harrowing experience, revealing that he lost two siblings in the explosion while he narrowly escaped death, suffering severe burns in the process.
The Secretary to the State Government, Senator George Akume, visited the site yesterday along with key officials, including the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ms. Zubaida Umar. They expressed government support for the victims.
Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, the Coordinator of NEMA’s Kano Territorial Office, confirmed the updated death toll and the injuries sustained.
Survivor Sabitu Yahaya described how he rushed to the explosion site to save his younger siblings. “I fell victim when I went in search of my younger ones. Although there were people who took advantage of the situation to scoop fuel, many of us were there to warn our relatives,” he explained, detailing how he got burned by petrol splashed around the ground.
The tragedy’s victims are being treated in hospitals across Jigawa, including Dutse, Birnin Kudu, Gumel, Hadejia, and in Yobe and Kano.
In response to the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to conduct an immediate investigation into the causes of the explosion. Senator Akume, leading a presidential delegation, assured the Jigawa State government and its people that anyone found negligent would be held accountable.
During their visit to Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital in Dutse, the delegation expressed condolences and highlighted the need for urgent measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and other dignitaries accompanied the delegation, emphasizing solidarity and support for the affected individuals and families during this difficult time. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also called for urgent assistance for the victims.