The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of 105 people following a tanker explosion in Majiya town, Jigawa State, on Tuesday night. In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum voiced its sorrow over the horrific event. The statement read, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of 105 lives in the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Majiya town.”
The explosion, which took place at approximately 11:30 pm, was triggered when the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle near Khadija University, causing the tanker to explode. The vehicle was reportedly en route to Nguru town in Yobe State. Tragically, after the accident, some individuals attempted to collect fuel from the site, leading to further loss of life.
In response to the devastating incident, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa State. The President also directed that immediate emergency assistance—including medical supplies, food, and shelter—be provided to the 50 injured individuals currently receiving treatment, as well as to others affected by the fire.
A statement released on Wednesday by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed these measures. Titled “Tanker Fire: President Tinubu Sends High-Level Delegation to Jigawa,” the statement noted that the Federal Government delegation would assess the damage and visit the injured in hospitals.
On the same day, the Nigerian Senate observed a minute of silence to honor the victims and urged immediate aid for survivors. The Senate emphasized the need for swift action to support those impacted by the explosion. According to the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Shiisu Adam, who spoke with PUNCH Online, approximately 105 people have been confirmed dead, while 55 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Many of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
