The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has issued a directive to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to start an investigation into the tanker explosion in Jagawa State that killed over 100 persons.
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources issued the directive in a statement by the minister of petroleum resources that the investigation was important to avoid future occurrences. The incident had taken place in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of the state.
The Minister, in the statement, expressed regret over the circumstance that had led to the death of the victims.
Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Shi’isu Adam, discoed that the incident, which was an explosion, had occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majiya Town; it was noted that the incident occurred after a tanker driver lost control near Khadija University. The police explained that the tanker was reported to have left d Kano and was heading to Nguru Town in Yobe State, but it exploded in Jiagawa after the driver had lost control.
According to reports, when the incident happened, some residents of the town had attempted to take fuel from the fallen tanker, which led to more deaths from the incident.
The statement, which was signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, to the minister, expressed sadness over the incident and sent his heart-felt condolences to the families of the persons who have been affected by the incident.
The statement noted that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left dozens more injured.
The statement disclosed that the minister had instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
The statement also noted that the minister has advised residents of the country to avoid any encounter with a petroleum vehicle that has been involved in an accident or any problem on the way. The minister further urged petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps, are employed to transport petroleum products across the country.
The minister noted that the government understands the urge to remove fuel from fallen vehicles in the country but advised that the dangers involved in the act are greater than the gains. He noted that the number of persons who had died from the recent incident indicates the danger involved in such an act.
The statement concluded and noted that the ministry was committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians in all aspects of petroleum product distribution and transport. The ministry also noted that it will continue to enforce more critical measures in the transportation of petroleum products in the country to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
