The Jigawa government has begun the distribution of N840 million donations to the victims of the tragic fuel tanker explosion that occurred in Majia town in the Taura Local Government Area of the state.

The incident, which occurred in October 2024, last year, claimed several lives and left others injured.

Speaking at the cash distribution to the victims in Majia town, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa said the N840 million would be distributed among 210 families of victims and survivors of the incident.

Mr Namadi expressed sorrow that the disaster claimed the lives of over 140 individuals, mostly young men under the age of 30.

He explained that each beneficiary would receive N4 million from the N840 million.

According to him, N500,000 will be disbursed in cash while N3.5 million will be deposited into individual accounts opened for the victims in Jaiz Bank.

The governor disclosed that the disaster affected 210 people and 167 households.

“Highlights of the demographic profiles of those affected showed that the terrible event had an impact on 167 households, killing 140 people and hurting 70 more.

“It was established that 33 of the deceased persons were married, out of which 31 of them had children, all left behind as orphans.

“In all, the deceased individuals have left behind a total of 40 widows and 130 orphans, out of which 70 are males and 33 are females,” he said.

Mr Namadi assured the people of the state government’s determination to prevent similar tragedies.

He said the committee set up by the state government on the incident had made several far-reaching recommendations on mitigating the chances of future occurrence of such calamitous incidents.

The governor disclosed that as of March 26, the total redeemed cash donations amounted to N839,686,680 and promised maintenance of transparency in the distribution process.

According to him, the government will, in due course, publish a comprehensive list of all the redeemed pledges made by individuals and groups.

Mr Namadi advised the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely, particularly by investing in productive ventures.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara, said N58.2 million was distributed to the victims earlier when the incident occurred.

Mr Sankara said 126 others had been screened to receive the first phase of the donation, assuring that the exercise would be transparent.

The beneficiaries commended the government for the gesture and pledged to use the funds judiciously.

(NAN)