Atiku: Scooping of petrol from fallen tankers suicidal — FG should educate Nigerians

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says Nigerians must avoid scooping petrol from fallen tankers as it poses suicidal risks.

There have been repeated incidents of citizens scooping petrol at the scenes of fallen tankers, leading to explosions and fatalities.

Over 180 residents were killed and several others seriously injured in Jigawa on October 16 after a tanker laden with petrol exploded at Majiya town, along the Kano-Hadejia expressway, in Taura LGA of the state.

Many of the victims were said to be scooping petrol after the tanker tipped off the road.

Reacting to the incident, the former vice-president advocated that Nigeria should explore trains as an alternative means of transporting petroleum products for enhanced safety.

In a viral video on Thursday, residents of Akamkpa LGA in Cross River were seen scooping petrol from a fallen tanker.

Some of them carried buckets; others were with kegs, taking petrol from the tanker.

TRENDING VIDEO: Residents scoop fuel from fallen tanker in Akamkpa, Cross River

🎥: Agba Jalingo pic.twitter.com/n1vnGIrlSJ

— TheCable (@thecableng) October 24, 2024

On Thursday, Abubakar condemned the reoccurring incidents of fallen tankers.

He asked the federal government to educate Nigerians on the dangers of scooping petroleum products from crashed trailers.

“I know that the times are tough for Nigerians. It has even been made more challenging by the trial-and-error policies of this bumbling administration,” Atiku wrote on X.

“However, your lives are the most precious things that should never be mortgaged. This is why it is pertinent that the concerned government MDAs should commence a robust campaign to educate citizens on the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen petroleum tankers.

“Your lives matter to you and your loved ones. Scooping petrol, a highly flammable liquid from a fallen tanker, is a suicide that no one should undertake.

“We’ve experienced too many tragedies from incidents such as the latest one in Cross River State, and everything must be done to avert another.”