By Austin Ogwuda
Barely four days after a petrol tanker explosion occurred along Warri – Sapele – Benin highway, another petrol tanker fully loaded with fuel has fallen along Ogwashi Ukwu- Ibusa road, Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, Nigeria.
The Town Hall Media gathered that it was another similar accident that occurred on Sunday, a lone accident involving a petrol tanker.
Incidentally, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who passed through the road with his convoy expressed shock and bewilderment seeing Ibusa residents scooping fuel from the scene.
The governor has therefore directed the Chairman of Oshimili North local government council to keep vigil and ensure that people are prevented from scooping the the spilled petroleum product in order to prevent another disaster lurking around.
The Governor in a press statement on Wednesday night through his Chief Press Secretary CPS, Sir Festus Ahon cautioned residents against such dangerous mission (scooping fuel) as it could lead to uncontrollable fire and avoidable deaths.
According to the statement, “the Governor who was not pleased with the situation has directed the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Mr Innocent Eseweze, to work with security agencies and fire service personnels to cordon off the area and ensure safety of the truck and travellers on the road”.
The statement further reads, “just last Sunday, we had a major fire disaster at the Koko – Ugbenu junction on the Benin – Warri Highway, which involved a fallen tanker.
“We recorded several casualties because some residents of the area went there to scoop fuel for whatever reasons.
“I recall cautioning residents against such dangerous acts and here again, I saw it with my eyes along the Ogwashi-Ukwu/ Ibusa/Asaba Road.
“My dear Deltans, remember the Jesse fire incident of 1998 and several other disasters arising from scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
“While I have directed the Local Government Council Chairman and security agencies to take charge of the situation, I yet again appeal to all Deltans to desist from the very dangerous act of scooping fuel from tankers.
“It is a great disaster waiting to happen, please avoid it for the sake of your loved ones”, the statement added.
