Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday to provide an update on the recent petrol tanker disaster in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also expressed its condolences to Nigeria following the tragic explosion, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries.
After the meeting with Tinubu, Namadi spoke with reporters, stating that he was there to welcome the president back from his annual leave and to thank him for sending a delegation to Jigawa shortly after the tanker incident.
He emphasised that the president’s gesture was greatly appreciated by the people of Jigawa State.
Namadi reported that the devastating accident resulted in 181 fatalities, with 80 individuals hospitalised and 210 families impacted.
He also mentioned that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has begun an investigation into the explosion.
The governor remarked, “I visited Mr. President primarily to welcome him back from his annual leave and to brief him on the tragic tanker accident in Jigawa State that resulted in significant loss of life.
“It was important for me to update the president on what occurred, what our government is doing, and to express gratitude for his prompt response by sending a delegation to our state after the incident.
“The people of Jigawa State truly appreciated this gesture, and I felt it was essential to convey our thanks and discuss our current situation and efforts.”
The governor assured that his administration is assisting affected families, noting that the government is covering medical expenses for the injured and providing support to bereaved families.
He added that Tinubu had pledged support for the victims and showed solidarity with Jigawa State.
To tackle the underlying causes of the tragedy, Namadi announced the formation of a high-powered committee, chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), to investigate and advise the government.
He recalled that the president directed the corps marshal to investigate the incident and develop long-term solutions to prevent similar occurrences across the country.
When asked about potential prosecution, he stated, “Any prosecution will depend on the outcome of the committee’s report.”
In a statement signed by Mohammed Alsahabi, the Saudi press attaché, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its sympathy for the victims and condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nigerian people during this difficult time, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families,” the statement read.
The explosion caused significant casualties and injuries, shaking the local community and garnering attention from both national and international entities.
The Saudi Embassy also extended wishes for the swift recovery of those injured and assured its ongoing support for the people of Nigeria during this period of grief.
“This gesture reflects the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,” the embassy stated, reaffirming its commitment to providing any necessary assistance in response to the tragedy.
