As Hundreds Looted Fuel from an Overturned Tanker in Jigawa, Student Lawan Heard a Loud Explosion and Cries of Pain and Fear

On October 16, student Sanusi Lawan said that after a fuel tanker overturned in Majiya, a town in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria, people gathered around to collect the spilled fuel. Lawan heard "cheers of joy" and, like hundreds of others, took a bucket to gather the fuel.

The 21-year-old carried a bucket of fuel home, and his younger brother convinced him not to return for more. At that moment, they heard "a loud explosion along with screams of pain and fear."

"We rushed to the scene and witnessed a horrific sight. Many people were on fire, running and screaming for help. If I hadn't listened to my brother, I would probably be dead too," Lawan said.

The tragedy has claimed at least 147 lives. Local official Hambali Zarga said this number only includes those buried in a mass grave, and the death toll may rise. Dozens of victims were burned beyond recognition.

Many bodies were buried elsewhere, while 140 injured people are being treated in hospitals, according to Zarga.

Injured people were treated at the hospital on October 16 after a gasoline tanker explosion in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria.

Fuel tanker explosions are common in Africa's most populous nation, where poor road conditions prevail. The latest tragedy occurred at a time when fuel has become a rare commodity in a country facing a severe economic crisis.

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu abolished subsidies last year, fuel prices have increased fivefold and shortages are frequent. Public desperation has grown, especially after the state-owned oil company raised prices for the second time in just over a month.

"Everyone knows the danger of taking fuel from an overturned tanker, but they are too poor to resist the temptation," Lawan said. "Fuel is like gold now."

Police spokesperson Lawan Shiisu Adam said the crowd overwhelmed the officers trying to stop them.

Buhari Ali, a 30-year-old civil servant who attended the mass burial, said poverty is widespread across the country and people will do anything to get food. "Everyone is hungry, and they can't miss such a rare opportunity," Ali said.

At the Senate in the capital Abuja, lawmakers observed a minute of silence for the victims. President Tinubu promised support for those affected and pledged to "quickly and comprehensively assess the national safety procedures for fuel transportation."

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 1,531 fuel tanker-related accidents that resulted in 535 deaths in 2020. Last month, at least 59 people were killed when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and livestock in Niger, a northwestern state.

According to the FRSC, over 5,000 people have died in road accidents in Nigeria in 2023, compared to nearly 6,500 the previous year. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) believes the real number could be higher, as some accidents are not reported to authorities.

According to a report published last year, WHO estimates that road traffic fatalities in Nigeria could reach nearly 40,000 annually. Fatal explosions also occur across Nigeria’s fuel facilities, despite it being one of Africa's largest crude oil producers.