The death toll in the Jigawa tanker explosion which occurred in Majia town has risen to 170. 

This is according to the Jigawa State Management Agency (SEMA) which said 70 victims are still receiving treatment across the state and other neighbouring states of Kano and Yobe.

While giving an update about the incident, the Executive Director of SEMA Haruna Maigida said that community sensitisation has already commenced.

He said, “As of today, the update is 170 dead. This morning, four died in Nguru increasing the number and 70 are still in different hospitals.”

“Generally people are not aware of the magnitude of what it can cause to go and scoop fuel. We have to continue on sensitization so that awareness is heightened,” he said.

Maigida stated that after the tank fell, some residents had carted away with fuel.

“We have gone out to every house to sensitive them for those who stored fuel in their houses to discard it so that they will not cause another havoc,” Maigida said.

Residents Recount Loss

Since the incident, the atmosphere in Majia has remained solemn. Almost every household is mourning the death of a loved one. The graveyard where there was mass burial on Wednesday sits lonely close to the major road en route Jigawa and Yobe where the petrol tanker fell.

One of the victims Sani Ahmed narrated his ordeal to Channels Television.

“I just saw a lot of people gathering and scooping fuel. Others were taking pictures. Suddenly, I saw a huge fire that burnt me,” Ahmed said.

Many of the young people who lost their lives are within the age range of 19 to 25 years as Abdullahi Majia mourns the loss of his three sons.

“Tuesday is a day I will never forget my children gone just like that,” he said.

Bello Ahmed who has been taking care of his brother in the hospital appreciates the government’s effort.

“I thank god and the government for the recovery of my brother and others here,” he said.

A medical practitioner at the hospital says they are overwhelmed but are doing their best to help the victims recover

“We received 14 victims and they are all improving. We were overwhelmed on the first day but we are doing our best to help them recover,” the medical personnel said.

President Bola Tinubu has since ordered immediate investigations into the state of Nigerian roads and sensitisation on the dangers of scooping fuel during tanker accidents.