Jigawa tanker explosion: 181 dead, 80 in critical condition – Namadi government

Jigawa State Governor Umah Namadi has put the current death toll from the tanker explosion in the state at 181, while another 80 persons are in critical condition in hospital.

Namadi, who was at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday to brief President Bola Tinubu on the situation, revealed that a total of 210 families were affected by the inferno.

Recall that the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 15 when a truck carrying petrol traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State exploded in Majia, Taura LGA of Jigawa State.

The incident resulted in the immediate deaths of more than 100 people and injuries to many others who were shoveling fuel.

The governor said the state has already constituted a high-powered committee chaired by a retired DIG to probe the remote causes of the incident and then advise the government on what to do next.

Speaking to State House correspondents, Namadi said: “The situation right now is that about 181 people have died, about 80 people are in hospital and about 210 families have been affected.

“I came here to inform Mr. President about what happened to us, the tragic incident that took place in Jigawa State that claimed many lives.

“We felt it was important to come and brief the President on what we are doing as a government and to thank him for sending a delegation as soon as this incident occurred.

“Of course, the state government has taken over the medical bill of all the affected people. We have made many interventions to the families to ensure their continued livelihood, and Mr. President has also promised to intervene and help the victims.

“The state government has already constituted a high-powered committee under the chairmanship of a retired DIG to probe the remote causes of that incident and then advise the government on what to do next.

“You should also remember that Mr. President immediately issued a directive to the Chief Marshal that he should look into this matter and come up with a permanent solution to this problem in this country.”