Residents of Hadejia town in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State were thrown into panic on Saturday evening after a gas explosion sparked a massive fire that destroyed a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retail outlet on Katagum Road, with property worth millions of naira lost in the inferno.
The explosion occurred when a gas delivery truck arrived at the outlet to replenish supplies.
What began as a routine offloading operation quickly turned disastrous after escaping gas was reportedly ignited by an open flame from a nearby awara (bean cake) frying point.
The ignition triggered a powerful explosion that set the gas outlet ablaze, sending flames high into the air and causing repeated explosions as several gas cylinders caught fire and ruptured.
Eyewitnesses described moments of fear and confusion as loud explosions echoed across the neighbourhood, forcing residents, traders and motorists to flee the area in search of safety.
“We heard sounds like bomb blasts as the cylinders exploded one after another. Thick smoke covered the entire area and everyone ran for their lives,” an eyewitness recalled.
The continuous explosions drew hundreds of residents to the scene, while shop owners in nearby business premises hurriedly removed their goods to prevent further losses as the fire threatened adjoining buildings.
Officials of the Fire Service, supported by security personnel, responded promptly to the emergency, cordoning off the area and battling the raging flames for several hours.
Their swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures, averting what could have become a far more devastating disaster.
Although the LPG outlet was completely destroyed, together with a large number of gas cylinders and other merchandise, no lives were lost in the incident.
Residents credited the absence of fatalities to the immediate evacuation of people from the area moments after the initial explosion.
Preliminary findings indicated that more than 10 gas cylinders exploded during the fire, while the exact value of the damaged property has yet to be officially assessed.
However, eyewitnesses and business owners estimated the losses to be worth several millions of naira.
The incident has reignited concerns over safety practices at LPG retail outlets, particularly those located close to businesses that use naked flames.
Residents called on the government and relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen enforcement of safety standards, ensure strict compliance with operational guidelines and prohibit activities involving open flames near gas facilities.
Many residents also urged authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns on the safe handling and storage of cooking gas to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
As of the time of filing this report, the Jigawa State Fire Service had not issued an official statement on the cause of the explosion or the estimated extent of the damage.
