Tanker explosions as gale of deaths…

By Maria Famakinwa
Experts, stakeholders, offer solution
Nigerians have continued to mourn the victims of a recent tanker explosion that killed over 98 people including a pregnant woman at Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State. According to reports, the tragic incident occurred when residents rushed to scoop fuel from a speeding petrol tanker that crashed on Dikko Junction along the expressway between Niger and Kaduna States. This was yet to settle when another fuel-laden tanker explosion was reported a week after at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, killing many commuters and eight vehicles completely burnt.
Losing innocent lives to avoidable deaths especially tanker explosions is becoming a reoccurring issue that needs to be addressed urgently in the country. On September 8, 2024, no fewer than 100 people were burnt alive in a similar tanker explosion in Niger State when a petrol tanker loaded with petrol collided with another trailer loaded with some passengers and cattle, causing a huge explosion. Besides those who died, no fewer than 50 cattle were burnt into ashes during the accident which happened on the Lapai-Agaie road. Likewise in Jigawa state, a total of 167 persons lost their lives on September 18, 2024, following a fuel tanker explosion in Majiya town in the Taura local government area of Jigawa state.
Likewise, a fuel-laden tanker exploded in Ore, Ondo State last December, causing tension in the area as residents scampered to safety, probably learning from the bitter experience of the petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Showboy Road in the same town in 2023 killing 19 people including a pregnant woman while scooping fuel from the fallen tanker.
The list is endless as Nigerians are calling on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the menace.
An educationist, Mr Oluwole Ifabiyi, lamented the increasing rate of petrol tanker explosions on our roads and appealed to the government for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.
He said: “Explosions on our roads are getting increasingly high. Despite losing many lives to tanker explosions, it was unbelievable that some people still have the temerity to scoop fuel from fallen tankers instead of running for their lives. I don’t see it as poverty but as being greedy. I think that the government at all levels must rise to address this. There is an urgent need for public education on the risk of scooping fuel from fuel-laden tankers. Some people are doing this because of the economic situation in the country. Some might think that they would escape forgetting that petrol is highly inflammable. I will urge the government to engage the mass media every week to educate the public on the dangers of rushing to a fallen fuel tanker to scoop fuel. Many have died through this and we need to learn by constantly reminding ourselves of the need to prioritise safety when any fuel tanker falls, otherwise, people will keep falling victim to it,” he said.
A driver, Mr Lawrence Adeagbo, stressed the need for tanker drivers to acquire specialized skills before being allowed to drive. He said: “Beyond the tears and condolences, it is time for Nigeria to implement decisive measures to prevent these disasters. Tanker drivers require specialized skills. So, mandatory training and periodic re-certification should be instituted. Transport unions must collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
“National Orientation Agency (NOA) is not living up to its calling, there is a need for public continuous sensitization on the dangers of scooping fuel because the consequences of tanker explosions are staggering. Entire families are wiped out, businesses are destroyed, and communities are left to deal with toxic environmental fallouts. The one that happened in Niger State weeks ago was so sad. At least 70 residents sustained varying degrees of burns aside from over 100 reported deaths. How long can we continue to fold our arms and watch people die needless deaths?
“I am calling on NOA to start educating the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers. Communities must be educated on how to respond to tanker-related emergencies. Public awareness campaigns can save lives by teaching residents to evacuate promptly and avoid hazardous areas. If need be, sensitization should be done in local languages on the dangers of scooping petrol because majority of the victims were people in rural areas. The government can also partner with NGOs, religious organizations, and traditional rulers on the need to get the message across to the intended. The steps will help to reduce if not stop deaths arising from scooping fuel from fallen tankers,” he said.
Another driver, Mr Omojola arise, appealed to the Federal Government to stop transporting petroleum products through the road as it is done in advanced countries and also called for an urgent public enlightenment campaign.
He said: “I am advocating public education against scooping fuel from fallen tankers because I learned that some residents in the areas where the incidents happened while rushing to scoop fuel were warned against it but they refused. To them, it was an opportunity to get free fuel and probably sell and make money. That people would be so desperate to rush to scoop fuel after such accidents should compel a public enlightenment campaign.
“Also, the Federal Government should stop the idea of transporting petrol by road. It has been repeatedly highlighted, that petroleum products are transported through pipelines and not through the roads as it is being done.
“Investment in pipelines and rail networks can significantly reduce the number of tankers on the road, thus mitigating risks. There is also a need to check fuel tankers to be sure. They are in good shape before loading fuel. Competent tanker drivers must also be guaranteed safety. The FRSC and relevant agencies including transport unions must collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance. We are tired of losing lives to explosions, relevant authorities should take urgent steps to prevent further loss of lives, ” he pleaded.
In his reaction the State Director of NOA in Ondo, Mr. James Adekunle, condemned the recent fuel tanker accidents in the country, describing them as unfortunate. Adekunle urged the public to refrain from the dangerous act of scooping fuel from accident scenes, warning that no amount of fuel is worth risking their lives due to the potential explosions associated with such accidents. He highlighted the nation’s challenge with attitudinal resistance to change and reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying its sensitization efforts through various platforms, including the National Value Charter. Adekunle also called on residents to adopt a more empathetic approach during disasters and to immediately contact emergency response teams while steering clear of accident scenes.