The Majia tragedy in Jigawa and need for public enlightenment on precautions
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Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State
By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi
The people of Majia, a very popular village in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State were last week thrown into a terrifying experience where hundreds of lives perished as a result of the explosion, when people trooped to an accident scene where a heavily loaded truck with a petrolatum product overturned in the town.
As it always happens in many villages and towns along the highways, it is common to see people at the scenes of road accidents to, either to support in evacuating the victims to a nearby health facility and to some instances provided a first aid support to the victims, and also ensuring the safety of the victim’s belongings.
The Majia people had woken up without any premonition that tragedy is about to be struck, until when a truck overturned and people rushed to the scene, with Gallons, Jerricans, buckets scooping the product, what a cruel and heinous behaviour?.
Neither religion nor human civilization will celebrate this barbaric and inhumane action by supposedly rescuers,these people mostly focused on what they are taking, without giving cognisance to their safety and wellbeing.
What started as a scooping spree turned to a grievous calamity that left more than one hundred and twenty people instantly losing their lives in grieving situations.
This necessitates the needs and calls for the relevant authorities, FRSC/NEMA/SEMA/FIRE FIGHTERS/RED CROSS for a first aid training and safety measures to the general public, especially communities living along highways on the dos and donts at accidents scenes, especially the situations involved inflammable products, or victims drowned in water or any disastrous situations; this will drastically reduced the unethical behaviours and disastrous experiences.
Religious and opinion leaders should intensify efforts in enlightening the general public on the dangers associated with looting from the accident victims, our Radio and Television stations as well as print and electronic/social Media outlets should be a good avenue for that, our public affairs analysts should focus on this important activity and our artists should come up with songs/Jingles, skits or drama to achieve this enlightenment exercise.
It is of immense importance for the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigerian Union of Journalists and other reputable Media outlets to intensify enlightenment campaigns on Health and safety (H&S) talks in their programs, this should be supported by all the relevant stakeholders and to be supported by every well meaning individuals and corporate organisations.
It is worth commending, the swift response from the Northern Governors Forum’s financial support to Jigawa state government our hope and prayer is judicious utilisation of these funds for the benefits of the victims or their relatives.
May ALLAH (SWT) in his infinite mercies forgive the departed souls, to the injured, a quick recovery and the families, the fortitude to bear the losses.
Badamasi, makwalla82@gmail.com
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