Iwo Tanker Fire: Police Caution Residents Against Scooping Fuel, Praise Officers

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11 Command Headquarters, Osogbo, Bassey S. Ewah, has cautioned residents of Osun and Oyo states against scooping petrol from accidented tankers, warning that the practice could result in fatal fires and explosions.

Ewah issued the warning while commending personnel of the Osun State Police Command for their prompt intervention during a tanker fire at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road, Osun State.

The incident occurred on September 17, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m., according to a statement released on Monday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji.

The statement said the Divisional Police Officer, Iwo Division, swiftly mobilised police personnel to the scene after receiving information about the incident.

On arrival, the officers secured the area and alerted the Fire Service to ensure a prompt response to the emergency.

The AIG praised the personnel for their timely intervention and efforts to prevent members of the public from approaching the burning tanker, describing their response as part of the commitment to protecting lives and property.

He warned that scooping petrol or other petroleum products from overturned or damaged tankers was a dangerous practice that could turn an accident scene into a major disaster.

According to him, the presence of spilled fuel around accidented tankers creates a serious risk of fire outbreaks and explosions, with potentially devastating consequences for people who gather at such locations.

The police warning comes against the backdrop of a tragic tanker-related incident in Benin City, Edo State, which further highlights the dangers of approaching accidented tankers to collect their contents.

Ewah urged members of the public not to allow the prospect of obtaining fuel to expose them to avoidable danger, stressing the importance of keeping a safe distance from accident scenes involving petroleum products.

He also called on residents to cooperate with security personnel and emergency responders whenever such incidents occur, rather than gathering around the scene or attempting to scoop fuel.

The AIG assured residents of Osun and Oyo states that Zone 11 Command would continue to strengthen proactive policing, public safety measures and collaboration with emergency response agencies to prevent avoidable loss of lives.