The Federal Government (FG) has announced immediate support for the victims of the tanker explosion which occurred in Jigawa State.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima in a statement signed by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha on Wednesday evening mourned the lives lost in the Jigawa tanker tragedy and pledged the support of the FG.
“In the wake of a catastrophic tanker explosion in Jigawa State that claimed over 100 lives, Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced immediate federal government intervention and called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria,” Nkwocha wrote.
He said Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu expressed particular sorrow for the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident and prayed that Almighty Allah grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, VP Shettima said “My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster.
“This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The Federal Government stands with the people of Jigawa.
“We are mobilising all necessary resources to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity,” he said.
The tragedy, which occurred in Majiya has thrown the entire nation in grief. In response, Shettima has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) personnel and resources to Jigawa State.
“As we contend with this tragedy, let us also reflect on the importance of safety measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents in the future,” Shettima emphasised.
“Every life is precious and we must do all we can to protect our citizens,” he said on behalf of the FG.
The VP also commended first responders and medical personnel for their tireless efforts, stating their dedication “exemplifies the best of our nation’s spirit.”
VP Shettima had inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) last Friday with a charge on members to align with global best practices in reducing traffic crashes.
He tasked the council to set National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensure effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety objectives.
Shettima emphasised the critical nature of road safety, stating, “Road safety is not merely a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation.”
NEMA, meanwhile, has announced that no fewer than 147 lives were lost in the tanker explosion which took place in Jigawa State.
NEMA announced this in a statement while providing an update on the tanker explosion in Jigawa State on its official X account on Wednesday evening.
That was after the Emergency Response Team of NEMA Kano Territorial Office (KTO) received a distress call from the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (JISEMA) regarding a fire incident in Majia Town, Taura Local Government Area (LGA) at about 5:00 am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
According to the statement, the fire which occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15 was caused by a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) losing control and spilling its contents.
“Tragically, 147 lives were lost in the incident. Numerous injured individuals were transported to Ringim, Hadejia, Jahun General Hospitals and the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu for treatment after the administration of first aid,” the statement read.
NEMA said multiple stakeholders including the Jigawa State Fire Service, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NCDSC), Nigerian Red Cross Society, World Health Organization (WHO), Jamaatu Nasrul Islam and others played key roles in the emergency response and casualties evaluation.
