It was a deluge of tears in Jebba, a strategic junction town between the northern part of the country and the south, Wednesday morning, as a petrol-laden tanker exploded and killed at least 16 persons instantly.
The tragic 16 were said to have been burnt beyond recognition.
According to eye witnesesse, the explosion, which also razed at least 30 houses and shops, reportedly occurred at about 9a.m. as the petrol tanker lost control and rammed into buildings in the Gaika area of the juncton town.
Jebba is in the Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to reports, spokesperson of the state Fire Service, Mr. Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident to journalists.
Kwara State Governor, Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commiserated with bereaved families as well as property owners, describing the sad incident as “devastating”.
The Governor’s media aide, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, in a statement, said his boss was “very sad at this development especially with the loss of lives and millions of naira worth of properties and farmlands.
“He sends his heartfelt condolences to the affected families. He urges them to take heart and remain calm as believers. He has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to quickly move in to determine the material loss.
“He also commends the Kwara state Fire Service and other responders for their efforts which helped to curtail the raging inferno and minimised the loss. Once again, he condoles with the victims and their families on this very sad incident, and prays to God Almighty to repose the souls of the deceased.”