- Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathised with Jigawa State governor on the tragic petrol tanker explosion in the state
- Also, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State extended his condolences to the victims
- The Inspector General of Police expressed sorrow over the tragic incident
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have reacted to the tragic petrol tanker explosion in a community in Jigawa State that resulted in over 170 casualties, describe it as “devastating and heartbreaking.”
Sanwo-Olu condoled with governor of Jigawa State, Governor Umar Namadi, as well as the victims’ families, friends, and the people of the state.
He remarked that the tragic incident has left a lasting mark on the collective consciousness of Nigerians, noting that no society can endure such a disaster without a deep impact on its social and emotional wellbeing.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on October 17, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, prayed for the victims, their families, Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, mourning the tragic loss of lives.
He said, “With a heavy heart, I have been following the developments of the disaster that occurred yesterday (Tuesday) in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, due to the explosion of a fuel tanker, which claimed over 153 lives.
“This tragic event is truly unimaginable and the devastation, as seen in the media, is difficult to comprehend.”
In the same vein, Governor Bago extended condolences to Governor Umar Namadi, the government and the people of Jigawa State following the tragic incident.
Bago said, “I offer prayers for the deceased and ask that Allah grants the bereaved families the strength to cope with this immense loss.”
The governor also acknowledged that this is a “challenging time for both the government and the people of Jigawa State.”
Through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago said, “I deeply empathise with your pain and sorrow. My prayers, along with those of all Nigerlites, are with you.
“May Allah bless the souls of those who have passed, provide healing to the injured, and give comfort to the grieving families.”
IGP commends swift response, warns of danger of scooping fuel
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed sorrow over the tragic incident and extended his condolences to the government and people of Jigawa, particularly the families affected by the tanker explosion.
The IGP acknowledged that the incident claimed over 100 lives, with more than 70 others sustaining injuries and receiving treatment in hospitals across the state.
In a statement by the Force spokesperson,Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP commended the swift response of police personnel and other emergency teams in putting out the fire, rescuing victims, and restoring order.
The police chief, while praying for the departed, emphasised the importance of public awareness on the dangers of scooping oil from fallen petrol tankers and similar hazardous activities.
He also urged motorists and road users to adhere to safety regulations in their everyday actions.
105 dead, 55 injured in Jigawa petrol tanker explosion, multiple injuries reported in Ibafo
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that no fewer than 105 people lost their lives and 55 others were injured following the explosion of a petrol tanker in Jigawa.
The tanker explosion occurred at around 12:30 a.m. when the driver, making a journey from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majiya, according to reports.
It was also gathered that after the incident, some people went to the scene to scoop spilt petrol, resulting in multiple fatalities.