The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11 Command, Osogbo, Bassey S. Ewah, has warned residents of Osun and Oyo states against scooping petrol and other petroleum products from crashed or overturned tankers, cautioning that the practice could lead to devastating fires, explosions and loss of lives.
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The warning followed a petrol tanker fire at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road in Osun State, on September 17, 2026, at about 11:30 am.
According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the Divisional Police Officer in Iwo promptly mobilised police personnel to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
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The officers secured the area and alerted the Fire Service for immediate intervention, while keeping members of the public at a safe distance from the burning tanker.
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Commending the officers and men of the Osun State Police Command for their swift response, Ewah praised their efforts in securing the scene and preventing members of the public from approaching the dangerous area.
The police chief said the warning was also informed by the tragic tanker-related incident in Benin City, Edo State, which highlighted the dangers of approaching accidented fuel tankers to scoop their contents.
He cautioned that spilled petroleum products could ignite and trigger fires or explosions, resulting in severe injuries and multiple fatalities.
Ewah assured residents of Osun and Oyo states that Zone 11 Command would continue to strengthen proactive policing, promote public safety and collaborate with relevant emergency response agencies to prevent avoidable tragedies.
He urged members of the public to stay away from accident scenes involving fuel tankers and allow emergency responders to carry out their duties safely.