The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone XI Command Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, has warned residents of Osun and Oyo states against scooping fuel from fallen or overturned tankers, cautioning that the practice could lead to fires, explosions and loss of lives.
Ewah gave the warning following a petrol tanker fire at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road in Osun State, on September 17, 2026.
According to the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the Divisional Police Officer in Iwo promptly mobilised officers to the scene, secured the area and alerted the fire service.
The AIG commended the officers for their swift response and for keeping members of the public away from the burning tanker.
According to the statement, “the officers promptly secured the affected area and alerted the Fire Service to intervene and prevent the incident from causing further danger.”
He said the warning was also informed by a recent fatal tanker incident in Benin City, Edo State, which highlighted the dangers of approaching accidented tankers to collect spilled petroleum products.
“Approaching accidented tankers to collect petrol or other petroleum products could expose people to life-threatening hazards, including fires, explosions, severe injuries and multiple fatalities,” he warned.
Ewah cautioned that spilled fuel could ignite and cause devastating fires, explosions, severe injuries and multiple deaths.
“I urge residents to prioritise their safety by staying away from overturned tankers and avoiding attempts to collect spilled petroleum products, regardless of the circumstances surrounding an accident,” the statement added.
He assured residents that Zone XI Command would continue to strengthen proactive policing and collaborate with emergency response agencies to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The police chief urged the public to stay away from tanker accident scenes and allow emergency responders to carry out their duties safely.
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