Ending the Deadly Cycle of Fuel Tanker Explosions
By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi
The alarming frequency of fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, has become an all-too-familiar tragedy. These catastrophic incidents result in massive loss of lives and properties, leaving communities devastated and authorities overwhelmed.
Beyond mechanical failures or road accidents, a more dangerous and overlooked factor lies in the reckless, unsympathetic, and selfish behavior of residents who rush to scoop petrol from fallen tankers—often at the cost of their own lives.
The recent explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, which claimed over 80 lives and injured dozens, starkly illustrates that previous tragedies have failed to instill caution in many Nigerians. Despite repeated warnings and devastating consequences, people continue to endanger their lives by rushing to crash sites.
In October 2024, a tanker overturned in Majiya town, Jigawa State, spilling petrol. Instead of fleeing the impending danger, locals rushed to collect the fuel. The tanker exploded, killing over 140 people and leaving many others with life-altering injuries.
Similarly, on January 25, another tanker crash on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway caused an explosion that killed 18 people and injured 10 others. When a fuel tanker crashes, the expected response is for emergency services to secure the area and prevent civilian interference.
However, in many Nigerian communities, residents prioritize scooping petrol over personal safety. Armed with containers and jerrycans, they scramble for “free fuel,” oblivious to the dangers of flammable petrol. A single spark—whether from friction, a mobile phone, or metal objects—can ignite a deadly inferno, resulting in charred bodies, destroyed properties, and unbearable grief for families.
Experts point to several contributing factors. Poorly maintained roads and overloaded vehicles increase the likelihood of accidents. Without stricter road safety enforcement, these crashes will persist. Extreme poverty drives people to risk their lives for the chance to resell scooped petrol.
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The lure of quick profit often blinds them to the grave dangers involved. Many Nigerians remain unaware of the extreme risks posed by spilled petrol, as the absence of widespread public education on petroleum-related safety measures exacerbates the problem.
Additionally, a prevailing mindset of “what will be, will be” leads some individuals to disregard the dangers of fuel scooping, believing their fate is already sealed. Those who gamble with their lives by scooping fuel often pay the ultimate price. Many are burned alive in explosions, while others suffer disfiguring injuries and permanent disabilities.
Tragically, innocent bystanders, including children, frequently become victims when nearby properties are engulfed in flames. Entire communities are left devastated as businesses, homes, and vehicles are destroyed. Families lose breadwinners, plunging them into deeper poverty.
To prevent these tragedies, a multifaceted approach is urgently needed. The government, through agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA), must educate Nigerians on the dangers of scooping fuel. Safety messages should be broadcast in local languages via radio, television, and social media.
Security agencies must cordon off crash sites immediately, preventing civilian access. Those caught attempting to scoop fuel should face arrest and prosecution to deter others. Firefighters and first responders should be better equipped and trained to handle fuel-related accidents.
Widely publicized hotlines can enable quicker reporting and response. Regular vehicle inspections, adherence to weight limits, and improved road infrastructure can significantly reduce the likelihood of tanker accidents. Religious and traditional leaders must use their platforms to discourage reckless and greedy behavior, encouraging citizens to treat tanker crashes as emergencies rather than profit opportunities.
Fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria are not mere accidents; they are preventable disasters worsened by human recklessness. The gruesome deaths and destruction should serve as a wake-up call. It is time to abandon the dangerous culture of fuel scooping and embrace collective responsibility.
Until this shift occurs, the cycle of explosions and needless loss of lives will persist, leaving sorrow and devastation in its wake.
Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Center for Crisis Communication (CCC). He writes from Kano via [email protected]
