The Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Uyo Operation Office has warned that scooping fuel from a fallen tanker is ‘a suicide mission’.
The Head of the agency in Uyo Operation Office, Ms Aisueni Mmandu, made the statement at a public awareness programme on tanker accidents and fires in Ikom, Cross River on Monday.
DAILY POST reports that the Uyo operation office of NEMA covers both Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Mmandu issued a stern warning to members of the public on the need to stay away from fallen tankers with petroleum products, saying it could result in fire.
Mmandu said when there is a fallen tanker with petroleum product, it is not the time for scooping fuel, stressing that fire can be ignited and people will be burnt to death.
“In recent times, we have had tanker explosions in Niger, Jigawa, Delta, Enugu, Lagos and Cross River claiming hundreds of lives and property worth millions,” she said.
According to the NEMA official, although tanker accidents were preventable, they were mainly caused by reckless driving, overloading, poor vehicle maintenance, road infrastructure challenges and lack of public awareness.
She urged government agencies, transport unions and community leaders to take proactive steps towards reducing tanker accidents and fires.
