Senate reacts to Jigawa tanker explosion, issues fresh directive

Following the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, the Senate has called for urgent action to prevent further incidents of this kind.

The explosion, which took place around 12:30 AM, resulted in the deaths of over 90 individuals and left hundreds injured as local residents attempted to collect fuel spilling from the overturned tanker.

In response, the Senate has issued a directive to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen its public awareness efforts on the dangers of fuel scooping in the event of accidents.

“This tragedy is one incident too many,” stated Senator Hussaini Uba of Jigawa North West, who raised the matter in a session on urgent national importance.

Uba emphasised that heightened public sensitisation is vital to preventing further loss of life in similar situations.

Senator Uba’s resolution also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) to expedite the distribution of relief materials to survivors and affected families.

The Senate suggested that immediate aid would support those grappling with severe burns and injuries in the aftermath of the incident.

Authorities reported that the tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, overturned near Khadija University in Majiya.

Jigawa State’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, confirmed that the tragedy began when residents swarmed the crash site to gather leaking fuel.

“This unfortunate disaster was entirely preventable,” he said, urging locals to avoid such risky behaviour around hazardous spillages.

The Senate’s call for intensified sensitisation efforts highlights the need for proactive education on the hazards of collecting fuel from accident scenes.