No fewer than 140 people have been confirmed dead after a tanker loaded with petrol exploded along the Kano-Hadejia expressway on Tuesday.
Nura Abdullahi, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), diaclosed this in a statement on Wednesday
He added that the victims were buried in a mass grave on Wednesday.
Abdullahi said over 50 people sustained various degrees of injuries and warned that the death toll might rise.
Meanwhile, the federal government has expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, saying all necessary resources were being mobilised to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement on Wednesday, by Stanley Nkwocha, his Special Assistant on media and communications, directed the deployment of NEMA personnel and resources to Jigawa state.
“My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster.
“This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The federal government stands with the people of Jigawa.
“We are mobilising all necessary resources to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity,” the statement said.
“As we contend with this tragedy, let us also reflect on the importance of safety measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.
“Every life is precious, and we must do all we can to protect our citizens,” the vice president said.
He also commended first responders and medical personnel for their efforts, stating that their dedication exemplifies the best of the Nigerian spirit.
