Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has again reiterated his earlier warning on residents not to indulge in the habit of scooping petroleum products from fallen tankers.
The Governor, who said it was a disaster in waiting, cautioned residents against such dangerous missions as it could lead to uncontrollable fire and avoidable deaths.
Oborevwori was reacting to a lone accident involving a petroleum tanker, with residents of Ibusa seen scooping petroleum products from the fallen tanker, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Wednesday in Asaba.
The Governor, who was not pleased with the situation, has directed the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Mr Innocent Eseweze, to work with security agencies and fire service personnel to cordon off the area and ensure the safety of the truck and travellers on the road.
He said: “Just last Sunday, we had a major fire disaster at the Koko – Ugbenu junction on the Benin – Warri Highway, which involved a fallen tanker.
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“We recorded several casualties because some residents of the area went there to scoop fuel for whatever reasons.
“I recall cautioning residents against such dangerous acts and here again, I saw it with my eyes along the Ogwashi-Ukwu/ Ibusa/Asaba Road.
“My dear Deltans, remember the Jesse fire incident of 1998 and several other disasters arising from scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
“While I have directed the Local Government Council Chairman and security agencies to take charge of the situation, I yet again appeal to all Deltans to desist from the very dangerous act of scooping fuel from tankers.
“It is a great disaster waiting to happen, please avoid it for the sake of your loved ones”.
