209 Died In Jigawa Tanker Explosion – Report

The Committee assigned to investigate the 15 October 2024 Tanker explosion that occurred in Majiya Town of Jigawa state has confirmed that 209 died from the incident.

The committee’s chairman, DIG Hafiz M Inuwa, revealed this while presenting their report to the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, at the Government House in Dutse.

He said their Committee was inaugurated and mandated to find out, among other things, the remote and immediate causes of the inferno and damage caused and ascertain the actual casualties and proper recommendations on how to avert future occurrence.

Mr Hafiz noted that the incident affected 308 people, out of which 209 were confirmed dead, 38 on admission at various hospitals, and 61 survivors have been discharged. However, he said 167 families were affected by the disaster.

“According to the committee’s findings, the remote and immediate causes of the inferno included damaged speed-breakers and potholes located near the scene, night driving, and high speed, among others. The inferno was possibly ignited by combined factors, including, but not limited to, the friction of metallic containers with hard surfaces or other containers as victims were scooping the spilt fuel.

“The committee is also recommending regular inspections and enforcement of safety protocols for all petroleum transport and other articulated vehicles, Upgrading of emergency response centres, Establishing a trauma centre and burns units in health facilities across the State”

“Also, to curtail the rising rate of accidents and flagrant violation of road traffic rules in the State, the Government shall consider establishing an agency responsible for the regulation and management of road traffic in the State.”

The chairman, however, stated that the committee has recommended that the government provide a sustainable empowerment scheme in Majia town (e.g., a farm mechanisation and irrigation programme, agricultural value addition, and skills acquisition).

Also, the committee advised the Government to consider that where the victims or their relatives are seemingly old and vulnerable, the government should provide them with social protection and the Danmodi Care Programme.

In his remarks, Governor Namadi thanked the committee members for their work and promised to act on the committee report as soon as possible.