Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House yesterday to discuss the recent tanker accident that struck the state, revealing that 181 lost their lives in the incident.
The governor’s visit was both to welcome the President back from his annual leave and to provide a detailed update on the incident, which also left 80 others hospitalised, and affected over 200 families.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, the governor expressed his appreciation to the president for sending a delegation to Jigawa immediately after the tragedy.
“The people of Jigawa State have appreciated this action taken by Mr. President,” the Governor said.
He also briefed the President on the state’s response efforts, including covering the medical bills of those affected and offering support to families to sustain their livelihoods.
When asked about the reasons behind the high casualty rate, Governor Namadi replied, “Are you asking God or me?”
However, he emphasised the state’s commitment to ongoing relief and recovery efforts while disclosing that his government had established a high-powered committee to investigate the causes of the incident and prevent future occurrences.
A retired deputy inspector general of police will lead the committee, he said.
Additionally, President Tinubu has instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps to conduct a thorough investigation and propose permanent solutions to prevent similar tragedies.
