THE death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, has risen to 167, according to Governor Umar Namadi.
Speaking at the Government House in Dutse while hosting his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, on a condolence visit, Governor Namadi confirmed the tragic loss of lives.
“As of Thursday evening, 167 people had died in the fire disaster,” he said, expressing deep sorrow over the incident, which has cast the state into mourning.
Currently, 67 survivors are receiving medical care in hospitals within and outside Jigawa State.
“We are doing everything in our power to ensure the injured receive the best possible care,” the governor assured.
The explosion reportedly occurred on Tuesday in Majiya town, when many victims were scooping fuel from the wrecked tanker before it exploded. A mass burial has already been held for the initial 147 victims.
Governor Namadi also expressed his gratitude to the Kano State Government for its support, including a N100 million donation, which he promised would be used to assist the victims and their families.
Governor Yusuf extended his sympathies to the people of Jigawa, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Kano State stands with Jigawa in this time of grief.”
The tragedy has attracted condolences from around the world, with many offering their sympathies to the state government and the affected families.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
The agency stated, “Our team will examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and explosion, identifying causes and making safety recommendations to prevent future incidents. We offer our deepest condolences to the affected families.”