Oyo Firefighters Take Shelter In Police Station After Mob Attack For Preventing Fuel Siphoning From Overturned Tanker
Oyo Firefighters Take Shelter In Police Station After Mob Attack For Preventing Fuel Siphoning From Overturned Tanker
The Oyo State Fire Service in a statement stated that its Ogbomoso branch arrived first, followed by their colleagues from the Kwara State Fire Service due to proximity to the scene.
Firefighters responding to a tanker fire at Sabo Market, Orile Igbon, along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin expressway in Oyo State, were allegedly attacked by angry residents attempting to siphon fuel.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, January 28, when a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, suffered a tyre burst, causing a spill and subsequent fire outbreak.
The Oyo State Fire Service in a statement stated that its Ogbomoso branch arrived first, followed by their colleagues from the Kwara State Fire Service due to proximity to the scene.
Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity, Kwara State Fire Service, confirmed the attack in a statement, saying firefighters had to seek refuge at a police station.
He said, “On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 20:27 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a tanker spill at Sabo Market, Orile Igbon, along the Ogbomoso Expressway in Oyo State.
“The tanker, carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), had suffered a tyre burst, resulting in a spill and subsequent fire outbreak.
“Upon arrival, our firefighters immediately initiated mitigation efforts to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
“Through their swift and coordinated response, over 10,000 litres of PMS were safely siphoned into another tanker, minimising potential hazards. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries were reported.
“During our investigation, it was confirmed that the incident was triggered by a tyre burst, which led to the tanker spill and the resulting fire.
“Prior to our arrival, the Oyo State Fire Service, Ogbomoso branch, had already responded to the emergency.
“However, it is deeply concerning that their personnel were violently attacked with stones, leading to severe damage to their fire truck, including a shattered windscreen.”
“In the face of this hostility, they were forced to seek refuge at Owode Police Station,” he lamented.