People scoop fuel from fallen petrol taner.jpeg
Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Uyo Operations Office, Ms. Aisueni Mmandu, has described scooping fuel from overturned tankers as a “death trap” during a public awareness campaign on tanker accidents and fires held in Ikom, Cross River, on Monday.
The Uyo office oversees operations in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Mmandu urged the public to steer clear of fallen tankers carrying petroleum products, warning, “Scooping fuel from a fallen tanker can spark a fire, leading to catastrophic loss of life.”
She cited recent tanker explosions in Niger, Jigawa, Delta, Enugu, Lagos, and Cross River, which claimed numerous lives and destroyed property worth millions.
She attributed tanker accidents to preventable causes such as reckless driving, overloading, poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate road infrastructure, and low public awareness.
Mmandu called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, transport unions, and community leaders to curb these incidents.
“We must enforce safety regulations, promote cautious driving, and encourage reporting of unsafe practices by tanker drivers,” she emphasized.
Public Enlightenment Officer for the Federal Road Safety Commission’s Ikom Unit, Mr. Etetim Otom, praised the initiative, noting the devastating toll of tanker accidents.
“Some drivers act like they own the roads. They need to respect other road users as fellow humans deserving of life,” he said.
Deputy Controller of the Cross River Fire Service, Ikom Unit, Mr. Ushie Atusu, hailed the campaign as a groundbreaking effort.
“This is the first time NEMA and other agencies have come together in Ikom to educate the public on tanker accidents and fires. It’s a vital step to address the causes of these tragedies, and we must sustain this partnership,” he stated.
Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Ikom branch, Mr. Yahaya Buhari, expressed gratitude for the program, describing the lessons as “life-changing.”
He urged members to apply the knowledge gained and called for ongoing engagements, saying, “We hope such impactful programs will continue.”
