Death Toll Reaches 153 in Nigeria’s Fuel Tanker Explosion Tragedy
The death toll from a tragic fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has risen to at least 153, with over 100 individuals injured, local police confirmed on Thursday.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday evening in the village of Majiya, located in Jigawa state, after the tanker lost control and crashed. Residents were attempting to collect the spilled fuel when the explosion took place.
“The driver lost control, causing the tanker to flip and spill fuel into a drainage ditch,” explained Shiisu Lawan Adam, a spokesperson for the Jigawa police. “Residents rushed to gather the fuel, which led to the devastating explosion.”
On Wednesday afternoon, a mass burial was conducted for some of the victims, and the number of fatalities has steadily increased since news of the incident broke.
Umar Majia, a local resident, expressed the community’s sorrow, sharing that his 12-year-old nephew was among those killed. “This type of incident has never happened here. It is our worst tragedy to date,” he stated.
In a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed his condolences, saying, “My heart aches for those who have lost their loved ones in this disaster. This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The Federal Government is committed to supporting the injured and assisting the families affected.”
Shettima also announced plans for immediate federal intervention and called for a thorough review of safety protocols for fuel transportation.
This explosion follows another tragic incident last month in which at least 48 people lost their lives in a similar accident in north-central Niger state.
Fuel tanker explosions are unfortunately common in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, where oil is often transported by road. In 2020 alone, more than 500 people died in over 1,500 fuel tanker-related accidents, according to the country’s road safety agency.
Residents, facing rising living costs and scarce fuel supplies, often take significant risks to collect fuel from overturned tankers or damaged pipelines. Gas prices have skyrocketed to more than six times their normal rate since the government lifted fuel subsidies last year, exacerbating the challenges faced by many in Nigeria, which, despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, continues to struggle with widespread poverty.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures and greater accountability in fuel transportation practices. Activists and community leaders are urging the government to invest in better infrastructure and to enforce stricter regulations to prevent such disasters from recurring. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating explosion, many are left questioning how to balance the urgent need for fuel with the safety of their communities, highlighting the broader issues of poverty and resource management in Nigeria.
