LIVE UPDATES
No fewer than 170 people have been recorded death in the tanker explosion that hit Jigawa State on Tuesday, marking an increase in the number of death and casualties.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, who confirmed the report in a statement added that, 70 others were still critically injured in different hospitals.
He said, “The death toll in the petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura LGA has risen to 170. The injured persons are receiving intensive care at Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi State, Nguru, Yobe State and Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State.
“Other hospitals where injured people are being treated include Hadejia General Hospital, Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and Dala Orthopedic,” he said.
The incident has thrown families in the town of Majia into mourning.
The tanker, which was traveling from Kano State, overturned while trying to avoid a collision with a truck, which caused petrol to spill onto the road.
Many villagers had rushed to the scene to collect the leaking fuel, leading to a massive explosion that killed at least 153 people and injured over 100 others.
For residents of Majia, the memory of that fateful night will forever be etched in their minds.
“I’m still in shock,” said Aisha Mohammed, a resident who lost her younger brother in the disaster.
“My brother was just 25 years old, full of life and promise. His death is a devastating blow to our family.”
Malam Inuwa Abdullahi, a parent who lost his 17-year-old son said the deceased was his “hope for the future”.
“My son was everything to me. Now, he’s gone, leaving me with unbearable pain and sorrow,” he added.
“I was with my friend, Musa, just hours before the explosion,” said Isah
Abubakar, fighting back tears. “We had plans to start a business together. Now, he’s gone, and I’m left with only memories.”
Many residents expressed concerns about the lack of emergency preparedness and response.
A resident, Alhaji Nura Usman, said if the authorities had acted faster, some lives might have been saved.
Others blamed the tanker driver for reckless driving.
An eyewitness, Ibrahim Sani, said, “The driver was speeding, and he didn’t even stop when he lost control. If he had stopped, maybe the explosion wouldn’t have happened.”
Amidst the grief, some residents found solace in their faith.
The Jigawa State Government had pledged support for the affected families. But for many, it’s too little and too late.
