By Divine Sam

The Nigeria Police Force has warned residents of Osun and Oyo States against scooping petrol or other petroleum products from overturned or accidented tankers, cautioning that the practice could result in devastating fires, explosions and loss of lives.

The warning was issued by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone XI Command Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey Ewah, following a tanker fire incident at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road in Osun State.

In a press release issued on Monday and signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the police said the incident occurred on September 17, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m.

According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer in Iwo mobilised police personnel to the scene after receiving information about the fire.

The statement noted that “the officers promptly secured the affected area and alerted the Fire Service to intervene and prevent the incident from causing further danger.”

Ewah commended officers of the Osun State Police Command for their prompt response, effective management of the situation and efforts to keep residents away from the burning tanker.

The AIG stressed that approaching accidented tankers to collect fuel exposes people to serious danger, particularly when spilled petroleum products come into contact with fire or other ignition sources.

“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.

The police also referenced a tragic tanker-related incident in Benin City, Edo State, as a reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of attempting to collect fuel from accident scenes.

Reiterating the need for caution, Ewah urged residents to put their safety first and avoid approaching overturned tankers, regardless of the circumstances or the perceived value of the spilled products.

“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.

The AIG assured residents of Osun and Oyo States that Zone XI Command would continue to work with relevant emergency response agencies to strengthen public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

He further appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and emergency responders by keeping a safe distance from accident scenes and reporting such incidents promptly.

The police warning serves as a reminder that spilled fuel from an accidented tanker is a serious safety hazard, and residents should allow trained emergency personnel to handle the situation rather than risk their lives attempting to collect petroleum products.