Jigawa State, Nigeria – The Nigerian police have confirmed the tragic death of 105 individuals following a petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa State on October 15, 2024. The explosion, which also left 70 people injured, occurred near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura Local Government Area.
The spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, provided details on the incident, stating that it happened at about 10:30 p.m. when a petrol tanker, registered as KMC 6412 F, and driven by one Yusuf Mohd, aged 32, from Hotoro Quarters, Kano State, lost control and overturned. The tanker was en route from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State, when it veered off near the university, spilling its fuel into nearby drainage systems that extended to the outskirts of the village.
Adam explained that, in a tragic turn of events, villagers attempted to scoop the fuel from the drainage when a fire broke out, engulfing the area and causing multiple fatalities. “The Area Commander of Ringim, along with the Divisional Police Officer of Gujungu, and their men quickly responded to the scene,” he said.
The police confirmed that 105 corpses have been recovered, while 70 injured individuals were rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.
Adam added that the fire was successfully extinguished through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters, and local residents who assisted in the rescue operation.
The incident has left the community in shock as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the explosion.