A fuel tanker accident that could have caused a major fire disaster was averted on Friday evening in Kogi State, following swift action by security operatives.
The Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander, Tenimu Etuku, confirmed that the incident happened around 5 p.m. at the Crusher area on the Felele Expressway in Lokoja.
Etuku said the tanker, which was heading to Abuja, got detached from its head and rolled into a ditch. He added that both the driver and his assistant escaped unhurt.
He explained that FRSC officials immediately arrived at the scene and called in the police, Civil Defence Corps, and Mobile Police for support to prevent locals from scooping fuel.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Niger and Jigawa states, where several people died while trying to scoop fuel,” Etuku said.
He noted that some people had already tried to collect the fuel before security officers arrived but were quickly dispersed.
The area was later cordoned off with the help of community leaders to prevent any fire outbreak.
Etuku urged residents to stay away from the accident scene and resist the temptation to scoop fuel to avoid a tragedy.
