A devastating tanker explosion in Majiya town, Jigawa State, has claimed 209 lives, with 99 others injured, according to findings presented by the state’s Tanker Explosion Investigation Panel.
The tragedy, which occurred on 14 October 2024, also left 167 families severely affected and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
Chairman of the panel, Hafizu Inuwa, disclosed these figures while presenting the committee’s report to Governor Umar Namadi in Dutse.
The report identified road infrastructure defects, including damaged speed breakers and potholes, as major contributors to the accident.
Night driving, excessive speeding, and the use of metallic containers by victims to scoop fuel further exacerbated the disaster.
“The human and material losses are enormous, and the lessons learned from this tragedy must guide our preventive measures,” Inuwa stated.
The panel recommended stricter enforcement of safety protocols for petroleum transporters, regular road inspections, and the establishment of a dedicated road traffic control agency.
It also suggested equipping health facilities with trauma and burn units and enrolling affected families in the ‘Danmodi Care Programme’ for social protection.
Governor Namadi pledged to implement the recommendations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to citizen safety.
“We will take decisive action to prevent such tragedies. The safety and well-being of our people remain our priority,” he said.
