By Usman Muhammad Zaria
Victims of last year’s tanker explosion in Majia, Jigawa State, will each receive the sum of four million Naira to cushion the effect of their sufferings as a result of the incidence.
Governor Umar Namadi announced this at the commencement of cash distribution to the victims, held in Majia town.
He explained that so far, a total sum of N839 million has been donated by philanthropists, corporate organizations and other well-spirited individuals to the victims.
The governor noted that the sim of N500,000 will be given to the victims in cash while N3.5 million will be transferred directly to their bank accounts.
“As of two days ago, that is Wednesday 26th March 2025, total
redeemed cash donations stood at N839, consideringthe total collection so far, it is envisaged that payment in respect of each of the persons directly
affected by unfortunate incidence would be about Four Million Naira.
“Of this amount, only N500,000) Naira would be paid directly in cash while the balance of N3,500,000 would be paid directly into the recipient’s bank accounts.
“For those that are deceased,
payment would be made to their guardians either as parents or next of kins while survivors would receive their donations in person.
“Donations in kind previously received comprising of assorted relief materials mostly in form of perishable food stuff and other essential commodities have already been distributed to those affected”, he said.
Governor Umar Namadi explained at least 210 persons were affected by the explosion as 100 persons died on the spot from burns sustained during the incident.
“The inferno that resulted from the tanker explosion was so devastating that over 100 persons were burnt to death on the spot, they were all buried together in a mass grave.
“Following the swift
intervention by the state govern ment about ninety of the victims were hospitalised in various hospitals within and outside Jigawa State, 36 of them could not survive the multiple injuries
they suffered from the inferno.
“All together 210 persons were identified as being directly affected, highlights of the demographic profiles of those affected indicated that the tragic incident has actually affected 167 households with 140 persons deceased and 70 maimed survivors.
“It was established that thirty-three of deceased persons were married
of which 31 of them have children, all left behind as orphans, the deceased persons have left behind a total of 42 widows and 133 orphans of which 70 are males and 63 are females”, Namadi outlined.
While condoling with the victims, he urged tanker drivers, other road users and members of the public to take precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident
“The Majia Tragedy has taught us several life-long lessons which we hope the general public and other
stakeholders, especially those involved in the transport business, whould take very seriously.
“As observed by our investigative committee, strict compliance with traffic rules and enforcement of proper vehicle safety measures such as installation of spill containment and pressure relief
valves in petrol tankers, are absolutely necessary.
“We already had fruitful discussions with some of stakeholders, particularly the transport unions, on the necessity for enforcement of these vehicle safety measures.
“The general public must be ever conscious of dangers associated with vehicles laden with inflammable contents
that are involved in accidents, people must learn to steer away from the scene of incidences no matter the temptation”.
The governor urged the recipients of the cash donations to make judicious use of the money, particularly by using it as business capital.
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