Bago, Sanwo-Olu, Egbetokun React to Jigawa Tanker Explosion, Say Incident Heartbreaking

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the Inspector-General of police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, reacted to the recent petrol tanker explosion in a community in Jigawa State, which claimed over 170 lives, and described it as “heartbreaking and unfortunate.”

On his part, Sanwo-Olu also sent a note of sympathy to his colleague, Governor Umar Namadi, friends and associates of the victims, as well as the people and Government of Jigawa State.

He said the unfortunate incident has left yet another scar in the minds of millions of Nigerians, adding that no nation or people could afford to experience this kind of tragedy without its effect on the social and psychological wellbeing of the people.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, offered prayers for the victims and their families, Governor Umar Namadi, and the citizens of Jigawa over the tragic loss of their fellow residents.

“It is with heavy heart that I have read and followed the development of the disaster that happened yesterday in Majiya town, in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker that claimed over 153 persons.

“Certainly, this unfortunate incident is beyond what we can reasonably imagine, going by what I have seen in the media. The devastating effects can only be imagined.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with my brother, Governor Umar Namadi, the Government and the people of Jigawa State over this very sad incident.

“I pray for the repose of the deceased and ask that the Almighty Allah grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Governor Bago said the incident was also a “trying period for the government and people of Jigawa state.”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago declared that, “I share in your pains and griefs. My prayers and that of every Nigerlites are with you.

“I pray that Allah will repose the souls of the departed, grant healing to those that sustained injuries as well as comfort the families of the victims,” the governor said.

The Inspector General of Police, while expressing grief over the unfortunate incident, also commiserated with the government and good people of Jigawa State, especially the families of victims of the tanker explosion.

The IGP, who expressed this condolences on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, also noted that the incident reportedly claimed the lives of over 100 people, while over 70 persons were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals in the state.

A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP applauded 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 police boss, while praying for the souls of the departed, reassured the public of robust sensitisation programmes on the hazardous effects of oil scooping and other similar activities.

He equally urged motorists and road users to always exercise caution and adhere to laid down safety guidelines in their daily conduct.