In a recent meeting at the State House in Abuja, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State updated President Bola Tinubu on the tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Majia town, claiming 181 lives and injuring many others. Following the disaster, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also expressed its condolences to Nigeria.
After his meeting with President Tinubu, Governor Namadi spoke to reporters, stating that he had come to welcome the president back from his annual leave and to thank him for promptly dispatching a delegation to Jigawa following the disaster. “The president’s gesture was deeply appreciated by the people of Jigawa State,” Namadi said.
He provided further details on the disaster, revealing that 80 individuals are currently hospitalized and 210 families have been affected. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has begun its inquiry into the incident. “I felt it was important to brief the president on what happened and what we are doing as a government,” Namadi explained. “This tragic accident took many lives, and it is crucial to keep our leadership informed.”
The governor assured that his administration is actively providing support to affected families, covering medical expenses for the injured and offering assistance to those who have lost loved ones. He noted that President Tinubu has pledged his support for the victims and shown solidarity with Jigawa State in this time of crisis.
To address the underlying causes of the tragedy, Namadi mentioned that a high-powered committee has been formed, chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, to investigate the incident and propose recommendations. He pointed out that the president had instructed the corps marshal to look into the explosion to find a lasting solution to prevent similar events in the future. When asked about potential prosecutions, Namadi stated, “Any prosecution will depend on the outcome of the committee’s report.”
In a statement released by Mohammed Alsahabi, the Saudi press attaché, Saudi Arabia extended its sympathy to the victims and their families during this difficult time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families,” the statement read.
The devastating explosion not only shook the local community but also garnered significant attention from both local and international bodies. The Saudi Embassy also expressed its hope for the quick recovery of the injured and reiterated its commitment to providing assistance to Nigeria during this period of grief. “This gesture reflects the long-standing diplomatic and humanitarian ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,” the embassy remarked, reaffirming its dedication to support the nation in its time of need.
