Fuel Tanker Explosion in Northern Nigeria Claims 147 Lives, Leaving a Community in Mourning

A tragic fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has claimed the lives of 147 people, leaving the country mourning from the devastation. The explosion occurred in the village of Majiya, Jigawa state, after a tanker crashed late Tuesday evening. Locals, desperate to collect fuel from the overturned vehicle, were caught in the blast. According to the Jigawa police, the driver lost control, causing the tanker to flip and spill fuel into a drainage ditch, which led to the deadly explosion when residents rushed to scoop the leaking fuel.

Rescue workers and emergency services were on the scene, and by Wednesday evening, 147 lives had been confirmed lost, with 70 more suffering injuries. A mass burial was held for the victims, many of whom were from the local community.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, expressed deep sorrow for the loss, saying, “This disaster has shaken us all to our core.” He reassured the community that the government is providing support to the injured and families affected by the tragedy. He also called for an urgent review of fuel transportation safety measures to prevent such accidents from recurring.

This heartbreaking explosion is the second of its kind in just over a month, following a similar incident in Niger state that killed 48 people. Unfortunately, fuel tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, a country where fuel is often transported by road. The situation is further complicated by the rising cost of living, gasoline shortages, and high fuel prices, which have driven many Nigerians to risk their lives for access to fuel from damaged tankers.

Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, poverty persists in Nigeria, and fuel remains both scarce and expensive. For many, the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers seem like a necessary gamble in the face of economic hardship. As the nation mourns yet another tragedy, there are renewed calls for stronger safety protocols to protect lives in the future.