By Salif Atojoko

Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, on Tuesday, said 181 people died, following the tanker explosion that occurred in the state on Oct. 15.

Namadi stated this while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

He said that 80 people were hospitalised while 210 families were affected by the incident.

The governor said he was at the State House to welcome the president back from his annual leave and to brief him on the tanker explosion which he described as tragic.

“I felt it is important to come and brief the president on what we are doing as government and also thank him for sending a delegation immediately the incident happened.

“This action taken by Mr President has been appreciated by the people of Jigawa.

“So, I felt I should come to thank him for doing that, and also to brief him on the situation; where we are and what we are trying to do,” said Namadi.

He said that the state government had paid the medical bills of all the people hospitalised and carried out a lot of interventions to bring succour to the affected families.

“Mr President has promised to intervene and assist the victims.

“The state government has already established a high-powered committee, headed by a retired DIG, to find out the remote cause and advise the government.

“You should also remember that Mr President gave a directive immediately to the Corps Marshal to investigate the matter and come up with a permanent solution to this problem (tanker explosions) in the country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has directed Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa in response to Tuesday night inferno in Majia, which claimed over 100 lives. 

The government delegation comprises Mohammed Badaru, Minister of Defence and Sen. Saidu Alkali, Minister of Transportation.

Others are: Mr Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Abdullahi Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West).

While in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.

President Tinubu further directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.

“The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.

“He expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief.

“He prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed,” said the statement.

Tinubu reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, was committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.

He restated his directive to the FRSC to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations and other highway safety mechanisms.

He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards would be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali