Jigawa State experienced another tragedy on Wednesday as a fuel-laden tanker exploded at the Jigawa-Kano border, sparking panic among bystanders.
The incident comes just a month after an explosion in October claimed over 180 lives and injured many others in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area of the state.
ChronicleNG reports that the October incident occurred when a truck carrying petrol, travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, exploded in Majia, located in Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, as many villagers had gathered to scoop up spilt petrol when the explosion occurred, resulting in monumental losses.
Speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Jigawa State Command, M. A. Aliyu, said the Federal Fire Service received a distress call from the Kuho Village Head, Zubairu Ahmad, regarding a tanker accident at Tsaida, Kwanar Kalle, near Gamoji village along Maiduri Road about 12 kilometres to Jigawa State from Kano.
Speaking to newsmen, the Kuho Village Head, Alhaji Zubairu Ahmad, stated that, “When the incident happened, we instructed our subject not to get near the tanker for fear of the explosion.”
“Thanks to Almighty Allah that the incident did not occur within the town; it was at a farm outside the people’s house,” he confirmed.
The village head also disclosed that there were no deaths or casualties.
At the time of filing this report, Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, had yet to comment on the incident.
Aliyu also disclosed that the fire service responded promptly, arriving at the scene at 10:50 hours and successfully containing the fire.
“The cause of the recent tanker explosion is still unknown, but investigations are likely to focus on safety regulations and emergency response measures,” he stated.
He emphasised that the recent incident highlighted the need for joint continued vigilance and action and also the need for improved efforts towards safety protocols and emergency response to prevent such tragedies.
He also mentioned that the single injured person, who happened to be the driver’s assistant, was rushed to the Dutse General Hospital.
