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.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced that no fewer than 147 lives were lost in the tanker explosion 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.

A minimum of 105 individuals have been reported deceased due to a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, located within the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Shiisu Adam, the Public Relations Officer for the state Police Command, verified this number during a phone interview with PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

He mentioned that approximately 55 people suffered injuries of varying severity and were admitted to Ringim General Hospital for treatment.

“As I am talking to you now, the casualty figure is about 105 and the number of injured is 55 as against the 50 earlier confirmed,” he said.

He stated that the event took place around 11:30 PM on Tuesday night in Majia Town, when the tanker driver lost control close to Khadija University.

According to him, the tanker departed from Kano and was heading to Nguru town in Yobe State when the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in an explosion.

Reports indicate that following the incident, some individuals arrived at the scene to loot the product, which resulted in numerous fatalities.

ICYMI: Tragic Tanker Explosion in Jigawa Claims 90 Lives

Reports indicate that several injured individuals have been transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu because of the shortage of available beds at Ringim General Hospital.

Arrangements are underway for a mass burial of the deceased, as most of the bodies were burned beyond recognition.

At least 90 people were reported dead after a petrol tanker exploded in Majiya Town, located in the Taura Local Government Area, on Tuesday.

Jigawa Police Spokesperson, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed this during an interview with reporters on Wednesday.

He further stated that 50 additional individuals had been admitted to the hospital, suffering from various injuries caused by the explosion.

“At about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majia Town, Taura local government area of Jigawa, the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and it exploded.

“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe. when the accident happened,” Adam said.

He added, “We are worried that in spite of police warning for people to steer clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts.

“People gathered around the accident scene, that is the reason for the mass casualty.”

The spokesperson stated that a mass burial for the victims is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

He mentioned that the injured are currently receiving treatment at Ringim General Hospital.

NAN

No fewer than 90 people were confirmed dead following a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura local government area of the state on Tuesday.

Mr Shi’isu Adam, police spokesperson in Jigawa, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

He also said that 50 other people had been hospitalised for various degrees of injuries due to the explosion.

”At about 11:30 pm on Tuesday in Majia Town, Taura local government area of Jigawa, the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and exploded.

“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe. when the accident happened,” Adam said.

He said, “We are worried that in spite of police warnings for people to stay clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts.

”People gathered around the accident scene; that is the reason for the mass casualties”.

The spokesperson said that a mass burial of the victims will be held by 9 a.m. on Wednesday

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He added that the injured are receiving medical attention at the Ringim General hospital

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 flagged off the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially launched the passenger operations of the LRMT Red Line which went on it’s inaugural passenger ride.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) in a post it shared on its official X account said the inaugural ride marked a significant milestone for the state’s transportation system.

LAMATA said the inaugural ride saw Governor Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet members join the first passengers on the 27 kilometer route between Agbado and Oyingbo.

According to the post, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of preserving the newly inaugurated rail line and urged citizens to maintain its cleanliness.

He also announced that additional train cars were on their way, promising more frequent services in the near future.

“The governor expressed his satisfaction in fulfilling a promise made to the people of Lagos,” LAMATA said.

“Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his commitment to further improving the state’s infrastructure and services.”

LAMATA added that the launch of the Red Line attracted a gathering of high-ranking government officials and private sector representatives who attended the inaugural ride.

LAMATA stated that the Red Line is the second rail system to become operational in less than two years in the state.

It stated that there are eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju and Agbado.

President Bola Tinubu had commissioned the infrastructure for the Red Line earlier this year and that was precisely on February 29.

Notable attendees included the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Special Adviser, Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa and the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.

Others are the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala; the Permanent Secretary for Transportation, Olawale Musa and the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Adewale Temitope, among others.