Scores Injured In Katsina Gas Explosion
A devastating gas explosion on Friday left scores injured and caused widespread damage in Magama Jibia town, Katsina State. The explosion, which reportedly originated at an abandoned filling station, Walidan, linked to smuggling activities, caused severe destruction to several vehicles, houses, and nearby school structures.
Origin of the Incident
Eyewitnesses indicated that the explosion involved a truck loaded with gas cylinders, allegedly smuggled from Niger Republic. The truck, parked at the abandoned filling station, is suspected to have sparked the disaster.
Shehu Umar, a resident of the area, described the incident:
“The truck was loaded with gas cylinders and parked at the filling station. We suspect a spark from a wire on the truck triggered the explosion and spread to other trucks.”
Although emergency responders and community members worked quickly, the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Impact and Casualties
The explosion injured many people, damaged multiple vehicles and houses, and disrupted nearby school structures. Fortunately, no students were harmed, as they had been evacuated from the schools before the blast.
Musa Abdulkarim, the Information Officer of Jibia Local Government Area, provided some details:
“I was told seven cars, one filling station, and one house were burnt. Children were also among the injured.”
Calls for Action
The incident has reignited concerns over unchecked smuggling activities in the area. Residents, including Umar, expressed frustration at the lack of government intervention to address illegal gas cylinder transportation:
“The issue is that people are doing the business illegally, and the concerned authorities have not done anything to check their activities.”
Umar and other residents are calling for urgent government action to regulate smuggling operations and prevent future disasters.
Official Response
As of the time of this report, no official statement had been issued by the authorities. Emergency services, however, have begun assessing the extent of the damage caused by the explosion.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement against smuggling and improved safety protocols to safeguard lives and properties in border communities like Jibia.
