A devastating gas explosion rocked Magama Jibia town in Katsina State on Friday, leaving scores injured and causing extensive damage to vehicles and houses. The incident occurred at an abandoned filling station, Walidan, allegedly linked to smuggling activities involving gas cylinders from Niger Republic.
Key Details:
- Location: Magama Jibia town, Katsina State
- Cause: Suspected spark from a wire on a truck carrying gas cylinders
- Injuries: Multiple people injured, including children
- Damage: Several vehicles, houses, and school structures affected
- Smuggling Activities: Gas cylinders transported from Niger Republic
A resident, Shehu Umar, described the incident: “The people who smuggle gas from Niger Republic settled in some areas in Jibia town. A truck loaded with gas cylinders parked at the filling station, and a spark from a wire may have triggered the explosion.”
Response and Reactions:
- Emergency services assessing damage
- No official statement from authorities
- Resident calls for government action against smuggling operations
Information Officer of Jibia Local Government Area, Musa Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident, stating: “Seven cars, one filling station, and one house were burnt. Children too were among the injured ones.”
The incident highlights concerns about smuggling activities and the need for urgent government intervention to prevent similar incidents.
Source: Punch
