Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to investigate the circumstances surrounding petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa.
Lokpobiri expressed sorrow over the incident that occurred at Majiya town I Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa on Tuesday night, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives and leaving dozens injured.
The Minister gave this directive in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor.
In light of the incident, the minister urged petroleum transporters to ensure that only drivers who are certified and fully compliant with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), are employed to transport petroleum products.
He reiterated commitment to ensure Nigerians’ safety in all aspects of petroleum product distribution and transport, adding that it would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to enforce stricter safety measures and prevent future occurrences.
“I wish to admonish Nigerians to desist from approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures.
“While we understand the temptation to freeload, the dangers of attempting to collect spilled fuel cannot be overstated.
“The tragic loss of lives in this incident serves as a grim reminder of the severe risks involved. On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a swift and full recovery,” the minister was quoted as saying in the statement.
Tanker fire: Tinubu sends delegation to Jigawa
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa in response to Tuesday night inferno in Majia, which claimed over 100 lives.
The government delegation comprises Mohammed Badaru, Minister of Defence and Sen. Saidu Alkali, Minister of Transportation.
Others are: Mr Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Abdullahi Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West).
While in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.
President Tinubu further directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
“The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
“He expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.
“He prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed,” said the statement.
Tinubu reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, was committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.
He restated his directive to the FRSC to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations and other highway safety mechanisms.
He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards would be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
Namadi sponsors treatment of Jigawa tanker explosion victims
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa has promised to sponsor treatment of victims of the tanker explosion in Majia town of Taura Local Government Area of the state. Over 100 persons lost their lives and 50 others injured when a petrol tanker exploded in Majia on Tuesday night.
Namadi said this when he visited some of the victims at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kudu. The governor also attended the mass burial of 100 persons, who died in the tragic incidence.
This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Hamisu Gumel, on Wednesday in Dutse. Namadi, who expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, described it as “greatest tragedy that has befallen the state.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this painful time. We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones and those injured in this tragic incident.
“The government will ensure that the affected families receive the needed assistance as we continue to work on prevention of such tragedies in the future,” Namadi said in the statement.
The governor cautioned the public to prioritixe safety during emergencies, and to shun gathering at accident scenes to forestall future occurrences.
Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has said that 107 persons lost their lives and 57 others sustained injuries in the accident.
NGF says Jigawa explosion deaths saddening, worrisome
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday expressed sadness at the reported death of 105 persons in Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in Majia town in Jigawa.
The NGF, in a statement in Ilorin by its Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident were worrying and said there was need for caution.
“The Forum sends its heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Jigawa on this sad incident, especially families who lost their loved ones and those who sustained injuries in the fire.
“The reported circumstances of the incident are worrisome, and we are therefore urging citizens to avoid taking advantage of petrol spills because of its volatility and existential danger,” it said.
The Forum said the unfortunate incident again drew attention to a need for improved safety protocols in the handling of combustible materials like petrol.
“This includes during unforeseen circumstances such as this accident. Our hearts are with Gov. Umar Namadi, the people of the state, and families involved in the incident. We ask Almighty God to grant them solace at this trying time,” the governors said.