Majiya, Nigeria – The death toll from a devastating fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has tragically risen to at least 153, with over 100 people injured. The explosion occurred late Tuesday evening in Majiya, a village in Jigawa state.
The incident unfolded when the fuel tanker driver lost control, causing the vehicle to somersault and spill fuel into a nearby drainage ditch. As locals rushed to retrieve the spilled fuel, the tanker exploded, resulting in the horrific loss of life.
Umar Majia, a member of the community who lost his 12-year-old nephew in the blast, described the tragedy as the worst incident to ever occur in the area. The explosion has left the community deeply saddened and mourning the loss of loved ones.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and announced immediate federal government intervention. He called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent such disasters in the future.
This is the second major fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria within a month. In October, at least 48 people were killed in a similar accident in Niger state. Fuel tanker explosions are a recurring problem in Nigeria, where oil supplies are frequently transported by road. Previous incidents have resulted in numerous casualties, with over 500 deaths reported in 2020 alone.
The explosion comes amidst a backdrop of soaring living costs in Nigeria, where gasoline is both scarce and expensive. The government’s decision to end fuel subsidies last year has led to a significant increase in fuel prices, further exacerbating the challenges faced by many Nigerians.
Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, poverty remains widespread in Nigeria. The tragic consequences of the fuel tanker explosion highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
