Nigerian farmer Mustapha Majiya is grappling with the loss of nearly 50 family members following a tragic petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa state. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has been reported as one of the deadliest tanker accidents in Nigeria’s recent history.
“My nephews, Nuradeen Rabiu, 16, and Dini Babalo, 17, were among those killed as they attempted to warn others against approaching the tanker,” said Majiya, a local resident.
The explosion, which erupted after the tanker overturned, has claimed the lives of at least 170 people, with many victims burned beyond recognition. Over 100 individuals sustained injuries, with several critically injured and hospitalized.
The tanker, laden with petrol, lost control while navigating a poorly lit main road, leading to the catastrophic explosion that followed. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as locals rushed to collect fuel before the fire erupted.
In the past 17 months, rising petrol prices have created fuel shortages throughout Nigeria, exacerbating the current cost-of-living crisis. Many residents seized the opportunity to collect fuel, disregarding warnings from those who understood the dangers involved.
“I just bought them books and new uniforms for the term,” Majiya lamented, recalling the innocence of the youths lost in this tragedy.
The explosion also claimed the life of Majiya’s longtime friend, Jamilu Maigaji, who was trying to assist others collecting spilled fuel. The situation has ignited a profound sense of loss and disbelief in the community.
This tragic event is part of a disturbing trend of tanker-related incidents in Nigeria, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and better strategic planning in transportation.
Petroleum transportation in Nigeria primarily relies on roadways, a practice deemed inadequate by safety experts. “Countries do not exclusively rely on roads for freight. The government needs to invest in rail transport,” stated an urban planner, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure.
In 2020 alone, over 1,500 tanker accidents were recorded in Nigeria, resulting in 535 fatalities, according to government statistics. Just last month, a separate collision involving a tanker resulted in 59 deaths in Niger state.
In response to the Majia explosion, government officials are pushing for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of approaching accident sites involving fuel tankers. The Vice-President has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the critical need for safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
Despite the government’s promises of an investigation into the Jigawa incident, history shows that accountability in such cases is often lacking. As the community mourns, demands for urgent reform and protective measures against preventable disasters are surging.
“The people left behind in Majia are feeling tremendous grief after this incident,” reflected Majiya, who expressed hope that the government would fulfill promises of support for the victims and their families. The community, joined by the nation, calls for better protection against such harrowing events.
