Ms. Aisueni Mmandu, Head of the Uyo Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has issued a strong warning to the public, describing the act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers as a “suicide mission.”
Speaking on Monday at a public awareness program on tanker accidents and fire safety in Ikom, Cross River State, Mmandu stressed the dangers of approaching tankers involved in road accidents, especially when carrying petroleum products.
“When you see a fallen tanker with petroleum product, it is not the time for scooping fuel,” she said. “A fire can be ignited, and people will be burnt to death.”
The event was organized by NEMA’s Uyo office, which covers Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Mmandu noted that several tragic incidents across Niger, Jigawa, Delta, Enugu, Lagos, and Cross River in recent years had resulted in hundreds of deaths and the destruction of properties worth millions.
She attributed the rise in tanker-related disasters to reckless driving, overloading, poor vehicle maintenance, failing infrastructure, and lack of public awareness.
Mmandu called for proactive steps from government agencies, transport unions, and local leaders, including:
- Enforcement of safety regulations
- Prompt reporting of reckless driving
- Public sensitisation campaigns on the dangers of tanker accidents
Mr. Etetim Otom, Public Enlightenment Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ikom Unit, praised the initiative, emphasizing the human cost of such accidents.
“Some tanker drivers behave like kings of the road. They need to be reminded that other road users also deserve to be alive,” he said.
Mr. Ushie Atusu, Deputy Controller of the Cross River Fire Service, called the sensitisation campaign a “rare opportunity” for local communities, adding that the multi-agency collaboration should be sustained.
Mr. Yahaya Buhari, Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, Ikom branch, encouraged his members to put the safety lessons into practice, describing the training as “life-changing.”
