In a harrowing tragedy that struck the heart of Jigawa State, a petrol tanker accident near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura Local Government Area, claimed the lives of 105 people on the night of October 15, 2024. The unfortunate incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when a tanker, registered as KMC 6412 F and driven by 32-year-old Yusuf Mohd from Hotoro Quarters, Kano, lost control while en route from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State. The vehicle overturned, spilling its volatile contents into a drainage channel that flowed to the outskirts of the village.
As news of the spilled fuel spread, villagers flocked to the site in a desperate attempt to scoop petrol from the drainage. This act of desperation quickly turned into a fatal catastrophe when the spilled fuel ignited, unleashing a fierce blaze that engulfed the area. The inferno left a trail of devastation, with 105 people losing their lives and 70 others sustaining injuries. Emergency responders, including the Area Commander of Ringim and the Divisional Police Officer of Gujungu, along with their teams, arrived promptly to provide assistance. The injured were transported to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
The fire, which threatened to spread further, was eventually brought under control through the joint efforts of police officers, firefighters, and courageous locals who risked their lives to help. In the wake of the incident, the Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State, CP AT Abdullahi, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected and the entire community of Majia Town. He prayed for the souls of the departed and called upon the Almighty Allah to shield the state from such calamities in the future.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning to the public, urging citizens to stay away from accident scenes involving petrol tankers due to the inherent dangers associated with petroleum products. He emphasized the need for heightened caution to prevent similar tragedies.
The Jigawa State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, expressed the commitment to continue working with relevant authorities to ensure public safety and prevent future occurrences of such catastrophic events.
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