Thirteen people have died as a result of the tanker fire event in Jos, Plateau State, along with the burning of 28 businesses, eight cars, six tricycles, and two motorcycles.
The attack on security personnel who were on a rescue mission at the scene of the incident and the burning of a patrol car belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, have both been condemned by the state’s commissioner of police, Bartholomew Onyeka.
Caleb Mutfwang, the incoming governor, expressed sympathy to people impacted by the incident.
The CP, who went to the location of the event on Friday morning with other sister-security officers, warned the public against acting in an illegitimate manner and questioned why they were hitting individuals who tried to help.
He said, “On Thursday, we got information about a tanker that was loaded with diesel, coming from the town and heading to the Bauchi axis; so on getting to the Bauchi junction, unfortunately, the front side of the truck went off while the back fell. This ignited fire.
“From what you have seen, about eight motor vehicles burnt. Security personnel that were here on a rescue mission were attacked.
“About 13 persons were burnt beyond recognition and 10 people that were injured have been taken to the hospitals in the State for medical attention.
“In a situation like this, I don’t see the need in attacking the security agents that came here to rescue people and take them to the hospitals.”
Governor-elect
In a statement issued by Gyang Bere, his Special Assistant (Media), Mutfwang said he was devastated to learn that the tanker that caught fire was completely destroyed by the flames, along with several unidentified people, vehicles, and tricycles.
He called the incident regrettable, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families, prayed for those who had suffered various degrees of injuries to heal quickly, and assured the public that his administration was committed to “reorganizing the city center to provide a conducive atmosphere for businesses to flourish and ensure free flow of traffic.”
Police spokesman Alfred Alabo provided an update on the incident, saying, “Further investigation reveals that on April 27, 2023, at approximately 1330 hours, a fatal motor truck accident occurred at the Bauchi Road junction where a tanker truck loaded with petroleum product lost brake control and went on fire, burning 28 shops, eight motor vehicles/cars, six tricycles, and two motorcycles while burning 13 unidentified persons beyond recognition, which is an increase from what was reported in our earlier report.”
“The corpses have been buried by JNI according to Islamic rites while 10 injured persons were taken to various hospitals for medical attention.
Further development also revealed that an angry mob in their hundreds attacked the FRSC staff and burned down their operational vehicle with Reg No. AO1 783 RS, in the course of which one of the FRSC staff sustained injuries on his forehead. One suspect has been arrested.”
