The death toll from a tanker explosion in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State has risen to 167, the state governor, Umar Namadi, said on Thursday.
He stated this at the Government House in Dutse while receive his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, who was on a condolence visit.
“As of Thursday evening, 167 lives had been lost in the fire disaster,” Governor Namadi confirmed, expressing sorrow over the tragic incident that has plunged the state into mourning.
Currently, 67 survivors are receiving medical treatment in various hospitals both within and outside Jigawa State.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the injured receive the best care available,” the governor said.
The tragic event unfolded on Tuesday, when a fuel tanker exploded in Majiya town. Reports suggest that many of the victims were scooping fuel from the tanker wreckage when the explosion occurred. A mass burial was held for the initial 147 victims who lost their lives in the aftermath.
Governor Namadi expressed his gratitude to the Kano State Government for its support during this difficult time.
He assured that the N100 million donation from Kano would be “judiciously used to aid the victims of the unfortunate incident and their families.”
Governor Yusuf, who was present during the announcement, extended his condolences to the people of Jigawa.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Kano State stands with Jigawa in this time of grief,” he stated.
The tragic explosion has drawn widespread sympathy, with people from around the world sending messages of condolence to the state government and the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident to uncover the cause of the explosion.
A statement from the agency read, “The team will assess the circumstances surrounding the crash and the explosion to identify causal factors and provide safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating accident.”
