Police Warn Osun, Oyo Residents Against Scooping Fuel From Fallen Tankers

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone XI Command Headquarters in Osogbo, Bassey Ewah, has warned residents of Osun and Oyo states against scooping petrol from overturned or accidented tankers, cautioning that the practice could lead to fires, explosions and loss of lives.

Ewah issued the warning in a press release on Monday, signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, following a tanker fire incident at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road in Osun State.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on September 17, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m. The Divisional Police Officer of Iwo Division mobilised police personnel to the scene after receiving information about the fire.

The officers secured the affected area and alerted the fire service to contain the blaze and prevent further danger to residents and other road users.

The AIG commended personnel of the Osun State Police Command for their prompt response, effective handling of the situation and efforts to keep members of the public at a safe distance from the burning tanker.

Ewah stressed that approaching accidented tankers to collect petrol or other petroleum products could expose people to serious dangers, including fires, explosions, severe injuries and multiple fatalities.

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 scoop fuel from accidented tankers.

“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 said.

The police chief assured residents of Osun and Oyo states that Zone XI Command would continue to work with other emergency response agencies to strengthen public safety, prevent avoidable tragedies and respond promptly to emergencies.

He urged members of the public to keep away from accident scenes involving fuel tankers and allow police officers and emergency responders to manage the situation safely.