 |
| Image: Families and mourners at mass grave of the deceased Majia tanker explosion victims. |
By Muhammad Salisu
The atmosphere was emotional as victims of the Jigawa tanker explosion received N840 million in donations on Friday at Khadija University, Majia, Taura local government area.
Six months after the devastating incident, the survivors and families of the deceased were overcome with emotion as they received the much-needed support.
Reacting separately, some of the victims and families of the deceased one's during the flagging off of the distribution of the donation held on Friday at Khadija University, Majia, Taura local government area, Jigawa state expressed varied agony amid tears.
For Aisha Haruna, aged 32, who lost her husband and two children in the explosion, the donation brought a mix of emotions. "I'm grateful for the support, but the pain of losing my loved ones will never go away," she said, tears streaming down her face.
Mallam Abubakar Muhammad, another beneficiary, expressed his gratitude to the government and donors. "This donation will help me pay my medical bills and restart my business," he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Abdullahi Suleiman, a victim who sustained severe burns, expressed his gratitude to the government and donors. "This donation will help me pay for my medical treatment and take care of my family," he said, his voice filled with emotion. He added that the support has given him hope to rebuild his life.
To another victim, Zainab Bashir, aged 47 whose husband was killed in the explosion, received the donation with tears of sadness. "I miss my husband dearly, but this donation will help me take care of our children's education and welfare," she said.
She expressed her gratitude to the government and donors, saying that their support has brought some comfort to her family.
Mallam Mukhtar Auwal, whose brother was killed in the explosion, received the donation on behalf of his family. "We are grateful for the support, and we pray that Allah will reward the donors and the government for their kindness," he said.
He added that the donation will help his family take care of their needs and rebuild their lives.
Speaking while flagging off the distribution of the public donation, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, acknowledged the suffering of the victims. "We stand with you in this difficult time, and we will do everything in our power to support you," he said.
Namadi noted that "as the victims begin to rebuild their lives, they are reminded today that they are not alone. The government, donors, and the community are standing with them, offering support and hope for a brighter future."
"As we proceed with the distribution of the cash donations, any additional receipts would be added to this amount and be made available to the Committee. Government would also, in due course, publish a comprehensive list of all the redeemed pledges in the spirit of transparency and accountability" Gov Namadi further explained.
Governor On behalf the entire Majia Community and indeed, the Government and People of Jigawa State, said that "I most sincerely appreciate all those that sympathised with us and generously donated in one way or the other in bringing relief and succour to those affected."
Earlier, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, while commenting during the event, said, a total amount of N840 million was shared among the 210 surviving victims and the families of the deceased.
"Each beneficiary received N500,000 in cash, while the remaining N4.5 million was paid into their individual bank accounts," he explained.
In his message, the District Head of Majia who is also the 'Sarkin Majia', Alhaji Mu'azu Ahmad, reminded the victims that calamity is a part of life, but the support of the community and donors can help alleviate the suffering.
"We must come together to support those in need, just as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us," he said.
"In the face of this calamity, the people of Majia town have come together to support each other. The incident may have shattered lives, but the resilience of the human spirit and the support of the community can help heal the wounds," The Chief Imam emphasised.
The Newskeeper Correspondent reports that the Majia tanker explosion in Jigawa state, which occurred on October 15, 2024, killed 209 people and injured 124 others. The incident was one of the deadliest in Nigeria's history, and it sparked widespread outrage and calls for improved safety measures.
0 Comments