- A suspected gas explosion rocked Magama Jibia town in Katsina State on Friday
- Scores injured, with children among them
- Seven vehicles, one filling station, and one house burnt
- Incident occurred at an abandoned filling station linked to gas smuggling from Niger Republic
- No official statement from authorities, but emergency services assessing damage
A devastating gas explosion shook Magama Jibia town in Katsina State on Friday, leaving scores injured and causing extensive damage to vehicles and houses. The blast occurred at an abandoned filling station, Walidan, allegedly used for smuggling gas cylinders from Niger Republic.
Eyewitnesses report that a truck loaded with gas cylinders parked at the filling station, sparking an explosion that spread to other trucks. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, witnesses confirm multiple injuries and damage to several vehicles, houses, and nearby school structures. Thankfully, students had been evacuated before the explosion, preventing any fatalities.
Local residents express frustration over unchecked smuggling activities in the area, calling on the government to take decisive action to prevent similar incidents. The Information Officer of Jibia Local Government Area, Musa Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident, stating that seven cars, one filling station, and one house were burnt, with children among the injured.
The Katsina State Police Command has launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with the Commissioner of Police directing a thorough probe. As emergency services continue to assess the damage, residents urge authorities to address the illicit activities contributing to this tragic event.
