The dangers surrounding fuel tanker incidents and the tendency for people to scoop fuel from fallen tankers have reached alarming levels in Nigeria. Recently, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), voiced strong concerns over this hazardous practice.
During his visit to the Akinyele Trailer Park, Issa-Onilu underscored the severe risks, describing scooping fuel from crashed tankers as akin to inviting death. "Tanker crisis has been a serious concern to the federal government, most especially the after-effects of it because it not only affects the immediate environment but the entire ecosystem," he remarked. This statement follows the tragic incident in Enugu State, where no fewer than 18 lives were claimed by the reckless actions of individuals attempting to siphon fuel from a fallen tanker.
Issa-Onilu lamented the loss of lives due to such incidents, emphasizing the personal toll on families, particularly for men with young wives and children. He urged Nigerians to abandon this dangerous practice, stating, "We want to advise people to stop scooping and stealing what does not belong to them." The NOA is actively taking steps to alter this behavior through public awareness campaigns.
To this end, the agency has developed jingles in 70 languages aimed at changing public attitudes about fuel scooping. The message is clear: if people find themselves near these dangerous incidents, they should prioritize safety and not approach the site. "If it ever happens, please don’t go there. Immediately, you see the product flowing from the tanker, run for your dear life," warned Issa-Onilu.
The issue of safety around fuel tankers was underscored just recently when another incident resulted from similar negligence. A fuel tanker caught fire at Shakatu Filling Station along Kiyawa Road in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State. The fire broke out Thursday night at approximately 8:30 PM, causing panic among nearby residents and commuters.
Eyewitnesses stated the blaze ignited suddenly, rapidly engulfing the tanker and then spreading to parts of the filling station. Local police and security agencies quickly established roadblocks to prevent access to the area, minimizing the potential for casualties. Firefighters were rushed to the scene to combat the flames and to prevent damage to adjacent buildings—a commendable yet urgent response to keep the situation from worsening.
While the extent of damage and possible casualties remained unclear at the time of reporting, previous incidents have shown the devastating effects of such fires. For example, earlier this year, a similar tragedy occurred in Majia town of Taura Local Government Area, where over 100 individuals were killed due to inadequate safety measures surrounding fuel-related operations.
Spokesman for the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the latest incident at the filling station, emphasizing the need for heightened security and safety procedures around fuel tanker operations. This echoes the broader concerns voiced by officials like Issa-Onilu, who are pleading for behavior change and greater public awareness.<\/p>
The recurring incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by fuel tankers, not just to those directly involved but also to the communities around them. The federal government, along with agencies such as the NOA, must empower citizens through education and stringent regulations to mitigate these tragedies.
It is pivotal for the Nigerian populace to recognize the severity of the situation. Continued negligence and reckless attempts to scoop fuel from fallen tankers can only lead to more heartbreaking losses. The call for action is not just from government officials but from concerned citizens advocating for their safety and well-being. Only through collective efforts can Nigeria hope to curb the deadly trend of fuel scooping and prevent another tragic loss of life.