Fuel Tanker Explosion Sparks Panic Along Jigawa-Kano Border

A fuel tanker explosion ignited panic on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, near Gamoji village on the Kano-Maiduguri highway in Jigawa State. The incident, which took place at the Jigawa-Kano border, caused alarm among nearby residents and bystanders.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by Aliyu M.A., Public Relations Officer for the Federal Fire Service (FFS) in Jigawa State, the explosion occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. “We received a distress call from Zubairu Ahmad, the Village Head of Kuho, who alerted us to a tanker accident in the Tsaida, Kwanar Kalle area, close to Gamoji village,” Aliyu said. In response, the FFS swiftly dispatched a team to the location, arriving at the scene within minutes at 10:50 a.m.

Upon arrival, worked rapidly to contain and extinguish the blaze, preventing further damage to surrounding areas and averting potential injuries. The quick action by the fire service played a critical role in controlling the situation before it escalated.

While an official report on the cause of the explosion is yet to be released, authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The extent of property damage is also still under assessment, as officials look into the potential impact on nearby structures and the environment.

This incident is the second major tanker explosion in Jigawa State in recent weeks, underscoring growing safety concerns. On October 15, 2024, a similar tragedy occurred in Majia, Taura Local Government Area, when a petrol-laden truck traveling from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State, exploded, resulting in the loss of over 170 lives. The Majia explosion highlighted the risks associated with transporting flammable materials and led to calls for stricter safety measures along major highways.

Authorities have been urged to intensify preventive measures to address the rise in tanker accidents in the region and to improve emergency response capabilities. As investigations continue, officials emphasize the importance of enhancing tanker safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.