By Omoniyi David
The Head of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Uyo Office, Ms Aisueni Mmandu, has warned Nigerians to stay away from fallen tankers, describing fuel scooping as “a suicide mission.”
Speaking at a public awareness campaign on tanker accidents in Ikom, Cross River, on Monday, Mmandu said: “When you see a fallen tanker with petroleum product, it is not the time for scooping fuel. Fire can be ignited and people will be burnt to death.”
She recalled recent explosions in Niger, Jigawa, Delta, Enugu, Lagos and Cross River that killed hundreds and destroyed properties worth millions.
Mmandu blamed most tanker accidents on reckless driving, overloading, poor vehicle maintenance, bad roads and lack of public awareness. She urged government agencies, transport unions and community leaders to enforce safety regulations, report unsafe driving and take steps to prevent tanker-related disasters.
Also speaking, FRSC Ikom Unit’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Mr Etetim Otom, praised the campaign, urging tanker drivers to respect other road users. “Some drivers behave like kings and masters of the road,” he said.
The Uyo NEMA office oversees Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
