Senator Hussaini Babangida Uba of Jigawa North West, has called for an increased comprehensive sensitization programs to address the dangers of scavenging fuel from accident scenes.
Speaking on the floor of the red Chambers, he brought attention to the tragic incident of a devastating explosion involving a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that occurred on the night of October 15, 2024, along the Hadejia Expressway, resulting in tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries.
The incident unfolded around 10:00 PM when local residents flocked to the scene of the accident to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker. Unfortunately, the situation escalated quickly as the tanker exploded, igniting a massive fire that was difficult to control.
Highlighting the alarming frequency of such occurrences and their catastrophic consequences, the senator stated that “This is not an isolated event; it is part of a troubling pattern that results in unprecedented casualties,”.
Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 100 individuals lost their lives in the inferno, with their bodies burned beyond recognition. Additionally, around 300 people sustained varying degrees of burns and are currently receiving treatment at Birnin Kudu Federal Medical Centre, Rigim, Hadejia, and Jahun General Hospital.
Senator Babangida, in light of the disaster, pressed for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of scavenging fuel from accident scenes. He urged that educational campaigns be launched to discourage this hazardous behavior, which often leads to similar tragedies.
Senator Uba also called on security agencies to adopt proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. “We must prioritize public safety and ensure that communities understand the risks they take when they engage in these actions,” he added.
“The local government and health facilities are currently overwhelmed with the aftermath of this tragedy, reinforcing the critical need for preventive measures and community education to avert further loss of life”. He further added
The Senate has resolved to call on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, along with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide immediate relief materials to the victims and their families.
Furthermore, the National Orientation Agency and relevant authorities are urged to implement comprehensive sensitization programs addressing the risks associated with such dangerous practices.
