Jigawa Explosion Survivor Recounts Tragic Ordeal; Death Toll Climbs to 168

The tragic fuel tanker explosion that occurred in Jigawa State on Tuesday continues to claim more lives, with the death toll now standing at 168. Over 100 others are receiving treatment for severe injuries in various hospitals across the region. The explosion, which sent shockwaves through the community, has devastated countless families, with many still reeling from the loss of their loved ones. Government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Senator George Akume, and Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, visited the site of Jigawa Explosion to offer condolences and assure victims of government support.

Sabitu Yahaya, one of the survivors, shared his harrowing account of the explosion, explaining how he lost two of his siblings while narrowly escaping death himself. Yahaya’s testimony highlights the human toll of the disaster and underscores the need for swift intervention and support for the victims still suffering from their injuries.

Survivor’s Testimony: “I Lost Two Brothers”

Sabitu Yahaya, still recovering from the burns he sustained in the explosion, described the terrifying moments leading up to the disaster. Yahaya recounted how he rushed to the scene in search of his younger siblings, only to be caught in the fire. “I lost two of my younger brothers while two others are still in the hospital,” he revealed. Despite knowing the risks, Yahaya attempted to warn others about the dangers of staying near the tanker, but tragedy struck before he could act.

He explained that the Jigawa explosion wasn’t caused by a deliberate ignition but rather by metal friction as people attempted to scoop fuel. “The fire started because of frictions from metals people were using to fetch petrol,” he said. Yahaya’s burns, which stretch from his knees down to his legs, are a grim reminder of how close he came to losing his life. He also emphasized that his family is still dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of the tragedy.

Federal Government Orders Investigation into Jigawa Explosion

In the wake of the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to launch a full investigation into the causes of the Jigawa explosion. Senator George Akume, who led a presidential delegation to Jigawa State, conveyed the president’s condolences to the victims and assured them that the government would hold those responsible accountable. He stated that the president is deeply troubled by the scale of the tragedy and expects the investigation to provide answers that could prevent future incidents.

Akume, alongside high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), visited hospitals where survivors are being treated. He praised the swift response of the Jigawa state government and emergency services, emphasizing that this tragic event calls for greater attention to road safety and regulatory oversight to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Calls for Urgent Support and Reform

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued an urgent plea for immediate relief and support for the victims of the Jigawa explosion. In a statement, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, highlighted the need for emergency food, shelter, and medical supplies for the survivors. He lamented that such preventable tragedies continue to occur, often exacerbating the already dire economic and social challenges faced by communities like Majiya in Jigawa State.

The ACF’s call for action echoes the sentiments of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), both of which expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. The PDP, in particular, attributed the incident to the country’s deteriorating infrastructure, while NUPENG emphasized the need for government intervention to prevent future accidents. With over 100 people still fighting for their lives in hospitals, the nation watches as relief efforts and investigations unfold in the aftermath of this devastating event.