The recent petrol tanker explosion in Dikko, Niger State, which claimed the lives of about 96 people, led to the destruction of many businesses, has further exposed our scant attention to safety measures in transportation of petroleum products across the country. The incident, which left scores of people injured, has equally underscored our poor management of such emergencies. The fact that some Nigerians still scoop fuel from such deathly scenes shows the level of desperation in the land occasioned by mass hunger and poor awareness campaign on the dangers of petrol tanker fires.
For years, Nigeria has recorded many cases of petrol tanker explosions with dire consequences, high death tolls and mounting economic losses. The monumental tragedy has been replicated in every petrol tanker fire in the country. The recurring nature of such tragedies shows that we have in deed, learnt nothing and forgotten nothing. Away from the usual official lamentations over such avoidable mishaps and warnings that such will not be repeated, let the government rise to the occasion by putting measures in place to avert such fatal incidents.
In the January 18 incident in Dikko, Niger State, the death toll, according to the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, has risen to 96, with 69 persons injured and 20 shops burnt. Not less than 80 of the victims had been given mass burial. Regrettably, the January 25 petrol tanker explosion, which occurred at Ugwu Onyeama in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, also claimed 17 lives and burnt some vehicles.
According to reports, the petrol-laden tanker detached from its head and fell near Sabon Kasuwa community along Dikko Junction, warranting the driver to transfer the petrol to another tanker using a pumping machine. In the process, an explosion occurred. Another version claimed that a fallen tanker spilled its contents, causing people to rush to scoop the fuel at the scene. It added that most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
This would be the second time in four months of such ugly scenario in Niger. Four months ago, 48 persons were killed in a similar accident in Agaie Local Government Area of the State. Over 50 cattle, two other vehicles, were also burnt. The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with petrol collided with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State heading to Lagos.
On January 5, five persons were feared dead with many properties, including banks, and vehicles were burnt in a petrol tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
About 209 lives were lost, while 99 others sustained injuries in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on October 14 in Majiya town, of Jigawa State. A tanker transporting petrol from Kano to Yobe overturned near Majiya village, Taura Local Government Area, causing fuel to spill into drainage. As villagers attempted to scoop the fuel, fire broke out, leading to a massive explosion that engulfed the area, killing several people on the spot. The disaster also affected 167 families, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
The situation cannot be allowed to continue. The government should take necessary actions to reduce such deadly incidents. Let them put in place measures that will curb petrol tanker fires. Since the poor state of the nation’s roads has been implicated for such incidents, let the government fix damaged portions of our highways. The recklessness of the tanker drivers must also be addressed. Sadly, some of the petrol tanker vehicles are in bad shape and lack adequate maintenance. Henceforth, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) must ensure that all petrol tanker vehicles plying Nigerian roads in good shape.
There is need for stricter safety protocols for petrol taker operators. Drivers of articulated vehicles and trucks should be more safety conscious careful while on duty. They should undergo refresher courses on driving and observance of road signs and warnings. There is the need to ensure that all drivers of articulated vehicles are literate. This will go a long way in enhancing road safety.
Alternatively, petrol can be transported to other parts of the country using the railway. It is more efficient, safer and cheaper. The police and FRSC officials should always be at petrol tanker incidents and prevent fuel scoopers from accessing the scenes.
While we commiserate with the families of the victims of the petrol tanker fires, we wish speedy recovery to the injured. At the same time, we enjoin Nigerians to avoid scooping fuel from fallen tankers. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should embark on nationwide enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers. Above all, our fire fighters must be trained to promptly respond to such petrol tanker incidents to prevent loss of lives and businesses.