Tragedy struck Majiya, a village in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria, as a fuel tanker explosion resulted in a devastating loss of life. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday evening, has claimed the lives of at least 153 individuals, with another 100 sustaining injuries.
According to reports from the Jigawa police spokesperson, the explosion was triggered when the tanker overturned after the driver lost control, spilling fuel into a drainage ditch. Local residents, attempting to salvage the fuel, were caught in the ensuing blast.
Nigeria's Vice President expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the affected families and pledging government support. Immediate federal intervention has been announced, along with a call for a review of fuel transportation safety measures.
This tragic event comes on the heels of a similar accident in Niger state last month, where 48 lives were lost in a fuel tanker explosion. Nigeria has witnessed a series of such incidents due to the transportation of oil supplies by road, leading to multiple casualties.
The country's road safety agency reported over 1,500 fuel tanker accidents in 2020, resulting in more than 500 fatalities. The high demand for fuel, coupled with rising costs and scarcity, has driven residents to risk their lives by collecting fuel from damaged tankers and pipelines.
Despite being a major oil producer in Africa, Nigeria continues to grapple with poverty and economic challenges. The government's decision to end fuel subsidies has led to a significant increase in gas prices, exacerbating the hardships faced by its citizens.
The aftermath of this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in fuel transportation and the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic issues affecting the population.
