By Yaseer Ahmad, Dutse
A federal government delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, visited Jigawa State to convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message following a tragic tanker explosion that claimed over 160 lives and left 96 others hospitalised.
The delegation, which included the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulfatah Abdurrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Defense Minister Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited the scene of the explosion.
They also visited the survivors receiving treatment at the hospital and traveled to Majiya town to express condolences to the families of the victims.
Speaking to journalists, Senator Akume stated that the delegation was in Jigawa on behalf of President Tinubu to extend his heartfelt condolences to the families affected, the state government, and the people of Jigawa.
He expressed the president’s deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that a thorough investigation into the incident would be conducted to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“The president is deeply touched by the magnitude of this loss and has directed the National Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate assistance. The federal government will work in tandem with the Jigawa State government to address this situation comprehensively,” Akume said.
Governor Abdulfatah AbdulRazaq, representing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, also expressed the forum’s condolences to the government and people of Jigawa.
He stressed the need for improved safety regulations on the nation’s highways, stating, “We will deliberate on this issue at the forum level to explore the implementation of stricter road safety measures.”
In response, Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi thanked President Tinubu, the governors, and various organizations and individuals for their support during this difficult time.
He acknowledged the overwhelming solidarity shown by both public and private institutions in the aftermath of the incident.
Several institutions, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Defense Headquarters, and the Inspector General of Police, also sent their condolences to the Jigawa State government following the tanker explosion.
