Jigawa police command has announced the number of fatalities in the recent petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Kano Jadejia expressway on Tuesday.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to the command; 173 people lost their lives, and 70 people were hospitalised in the accident.
Spokesman of the command, Lawan Shiisu said that the death toll from the petrol tanker explosion on Tuesday had risen by over 80 from the 90 to 173 initially reported.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum visited the site of the incident on Friday.
National chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, and minister of state for petroleum resources, Heineken Lokpobiri to offer condolences.
Lokpobiri said that the incident is unprecedented, saying no amount of petrol taken can justify the tragic loss of lives.
The minister urged Nigerians to immediately report such accidents to relevant authorities.
He said, “We’ve been hearing of this type of development in different parts of the country, but none has been on this scale. So when we heard of what happened, we had to come.”
“Myself and the head of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who oversees the monitoring of both the mainstream and downstream sectors, along with the leadership of NMDPRA, had to come and see things for ourselves.”
“We’ve been to the government house, condoled with the government and the people of the state, and felt it was necessary to visit the site as well.”
“We also witnessed the grief, the mass grave, where over a hundred people are buried, and we want to take this opportunity to condole with the families of those who have lost their lives.”
“We also appeal to Nigerians that if they see any fuel tanker like this, they should not go near. The amount of petrol taken cannot justify risking one’s life.”
“I want to use this opportunity to urge Nigerians to report such incidents to the nearest police station, road safety officers, NMDPRA, or any relevant authority, so they can secure the area and save lives.”
“Government is also taking steps to ensure that incidents like this do not happen. We’re implementing certain policies, ensuring that trucks carrying products are certified by NMDPRA, road safety, and other agencies working with us.”
“Going forward, only roadworthy and certified vehicles will be allowed to transport products to different parts of the country.”
Dangote and Ganduje extended their deepest condolences to families of the victims and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
Ganduje, who visited survivors at Rashida Shekoni Teaching Hospital in Dutse, praised the state government for its swift response and commended victims and their families for their resilience.
He said, “I am deeply moved by the resilience shown by the victims and their families.”
“I pray for the departed souls and for the quick recovery of those injured. We must take all necessary steps to prevent such a disaster from occurring again.”
Governor of Jigawa, Umar Namadi expressed gratitude to the visiting officials and other well-wishers from across the country.
Namadi revealed that discussions with National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) are underway to improve safety measures.
He said, “Their roadmap includes the redesigning of fuel tanks and other preventive measures.”
The Governor urged the minister of state for petroleum resources to involve NARTO in drafting new and effective safety strategies for transporting flammable products.
