President Bola Tinubu has directed Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa State following the tragic fire incident in Majia town on Tuesday night, which claimed over 100 lives.
The delegation will include the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
While in Jigawa, the delegation is expected to assess the damage at the site of the incident and visit hospitals to meet with the injured victims.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu instructed that emergency relief, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter, be provided for the victims. The President expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident,” the statement read.
President Tinubu further offered his prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa, while praying for “divine comfort for the bereaved families and peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.”
In response to the incident, President Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to reviewing the country’s fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent such disasters in the future. He emphasized that the FRSC has been directed to enhance night travel safety measures, including stricter patrols and enforcement of safety regulations on highways.
The President also made it clear that any individuals or organizations found guilty of violating safety standards will face full accountability, as the government is determined to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
