The Assistant Inspector-General of Police accountable for Zone XI Command Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey Ewah, has warned residents of Osun and Oyo States against scooping petrol from overturned or accidented tankers.
Ewah gave the warning in a press launch issued on Monday and signed by by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, following a tanker fireplace incident on the Feesu space alongside the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road in Osun State.
The incident, which occurred on September 17, 2026 at about 11.30 am, prompted he Divisional Police Officer, Iwo Division, to mobilise police personnel to the scene after receiving details about the hearth.
According to the assertion, “the officers promptly secured the affected space and alerted the Fire Service to intervene and stop the incident from inflicting additional hazard.”
The AIG recommended personnel of the Osun State Police Command for his or her swift response, proactive dealing with of the scenario and efforts to maintain members of the general public at a protected distance from the burning tanker.
“Approaching accidented tankers to gather petrol or different petroleum merchandise may expose individuals to life-threatening hazards, together with fires, explosions, extreme accidents and a number of fatalities,” he warned.
The police warning additionally referenced a tragic tanker-related incident in Benin City, Edo State, as a reminder of the risks related to trying to scoop fuel from accidented tankers.
“I urge residents to prioritise their security by staying away from overturned tankers and avoiding makes an attempt to gather spilled petroleum merchandise, whatever the circumstances surrounding an accident,” the assertion added.
The AIG assured residents of Osun and Oyo States of Zone XI Command’s continued dedication to proactive policing, public security and collaboration with different emergency response companies to stop avoidable tragedies.
He additionally appealed to members of the general public to keep away from harmful practices round accidented fuel tankers.
