FRSC, Security Operatives Prevent Tanker Fire Disaster in Kogi
A major tragedy was averted on Friday in Kogi State following a fuel tanker accident along the Felele Expressway in Lokoja.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the incident occurred around 5 p.m. at the Crusher area when the tank of a fuel-laden truck heading to Abuja detached from its head and rolled into a ditch.
Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Tenimu Etuku, confirmed that no lives were lost in the accident as the driver and his assistant escaped unhurt.
Etuku said the prompt response of FRSC personnel, alongside operatives of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Mobile Police Force, helped prevent a possible fire outbreak.
“The joint team quickly cordoned off the area to stop community members from accessing the tanker and scooping fuel. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Niger and Jigawa states, where several people lost their lives while attempting to scoop fuel,” he said.
He added that some residents had initially tried to collect the spilled fuel before security agents arrived but were dispersed.
The sector commander commended community leaders for cooperating with security agencies to maintain order and warned residents against attempting to scoop fuel from the scene.
He said, “We appeal to members of the Crusher community to resist any temptation to scoop the fuel to avoid a fire disaster that could lead to massive loss of lives.”
The warning followed a recent tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed 45 lives and injured 62 others when residents attempted to scoop fuel from a crashed tanker at Essa community along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie Road in Katcha Local Government Area.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Niger tragedy was caused by the poor condition of the road, with rescue efforts hampered by heavy traffic and weak communication networks.
NEMA said the victims of the Niger incident included men, women, and children, many of whom suffered severe burns and are still receiving treatment at various hospitals in Bida and Gwagwalada.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
