IGP warns motorists after Jigawa explosion claims over 140 lives

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed his condolences to the people of Jigawa State following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed over 140 lives.

According to previous reports from Gistreel, the Majia community in Taura Local Government Area was thrown into chaos on Tuesday after a fuel tanker overturned, leading to an explosion.

The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Wednesday, as villagers were reportedly attempting to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker before the explosion, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

Although the police in Jigawa said on Wednesday that 90 people were killed in the incident, eye-witnesses have said over 140 people were buried on Wednesday after the incident.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP urged motorists to always adhere to laid down safety guidelines in their daily conduct.

He also praised the efforts of the Police personnel and other emergency responders for their swift action in extinguishing the fire, evacuating the victims, and ensuring normalcy is swiftly restored in the area.

The IGP, while praying for the souls of the departed ones, reassured the general public “of robust sensitization programs on the hazardous effects of oil scooping and other similar activities”.