Faisal Salisu DambattaThe collaborative efforts of security personnel on Friday evening prevented a catastrophe in Kogi State due to a fuel tanker incident, as reported by the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Mr. Tenimu Etuku, the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, informed the News Agency of Nigeria in Lokoja, the state capital, that the incident took place at the Crusher on the Felele Expressway around 5 p.m.
The sector commander stated that the fuel-laden truck was en route to Abuja when the tank detached from the cab and rolled into a ditch.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities resulting from the accident. Both the tanker driver and his assistant emerged unscathed,” he remarked.
He further explained that upon the occurrence of the accident, the FRSC patrol team promptly arrived at the scene and called upon the police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Mobile Police unit for security assistance.
“This was necessary to ensure that local residents did not access the tanker and attempt to siphon the fuel, which could lead to a fire outbreak.
“We aim to prevent a recurrence of the incidents in Niger and Jigawa states, where numerous lives were lost due to fire outbreaks while individuals attempted to scoop fuel,” he added.
According to him, some individuals tried to siphon the fuel prior to the arrival of his team, but they were dispersed.
Etuku mentioned that the area was effectively secured by security personnel and some leaders from the Crusher community.
“The community leaders and security agencies have reached an agreement to ensure that no one is permitted to enter the ditch with the intention of scooping fuel,” he continued.
The commander urged members of the Crusher community to resist any temptation to siphon the spilling fuel to prevent a fire disaster that could result in significant loss of life.
This tragic event occurred on Tuesday when a tanker overturned in a solitary accident at the Essa community along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie Road within the Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
Hussaini Isah, the Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency, Minna Office, revealed this information in a statement released on Friday, attributing the disaster to the poor condition of the road.
NEMA indicated that rescue efforts were hindered by traffic congestion, inadequate road conditions, and a lack of network connectivity for effective communication.
In an update on the casualty figures on Friday, Isah reported that the deceased included 12 males, 27 females, and six children, while the injured comprised 24 males, 32 females, and seven children.
Isah clarified that all victims were affected while attempting to scoop spilled fuel from the overturned tanker.
He mentioned that 62 individuals are still undergoing treatment for severe burns in the hospital.
“Some of the victims were initially taken to Essa Primary Health Care and Idris Private Hospital, but were subsequently transferred to Umaru Sanda General Hospital in Bida and the Federal Medical Centre in Bida. Fourteen individuals with critical injuries were referred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced treatment.
“The additional 12 injured individuals reported today were initially treated at their family homes but later returned to hospitals for improved care,” Isah concluded.
