Bello Alhassan
DAILY COURIER - In response to a tragic fire incident in Majia town, Jigawa State, that claimed over 100 lives on Tuesday night, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to the affected area. This move underscores the government's immediate and compassionate response to the disaster, which has left the nation in mourning.
The high-level delegation will include the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai. Their mission is to assess the aftermath of the inferno and extend support to those affected by the tragedy.
The delegation is expected to visit the site of the fire to evaluate the situation firsthand and visit hospitals where more than 50 injured victims are currently receiving treatment. The President has ordered that immediate relief, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be provided to the victims and their families.
Expressing his deep sorrow, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Jigawa, joining Vice President Kashim Shettima in offering prayers and support during this time of profound grief. "I pray for divine comfort for the families who have lost their loved ones and for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed," the President stated.
### National Safety Protocols to Be Reviewed
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to preventing such incidents from happening again. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, will undertake a swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.
The President emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that anyone found responsible for breaching safety standards leading to this disaster would face the full weight of the law. He further directed the FRSC to strengthen its night travel safety measures, calling for increased patrols and stricter enforcement of safety regulations on the nation's highways.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, added that this incident has prompted a national reckoning on road safety and tanker transportation, with the goal of ensuring that tragedies like this do not recur.
The fire, which broke out after a fuel tanker exploded, has shocked the nation, and the President's decisive response reflects the gravity of the situation. The government’s focus remains on providing immediate relief and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians on the roads.