The Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Olorogun) Arthur Akpowowo Esq., has issued a strong warning to residents against scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
Akpowowo gave the warning in a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Rex Omohwovo, following the tanker fire that broke out in the early hours of November 20, 2025, along the Eku–Abraka Expressway. The fire was triggered after a tanker transporting petroleum products overturned.
He cautioned residents to stay far away from such scenes, noting that eyewitnesses reported that some individuals had already begun scooping fuel when the tanker suddenly erupted in flames. “Petrol is extremely flammable,” he emphasized, “and its flames spread rapidly with air. It can wipe out many lives in seconds.”
Akpowowo stressed that no quantity of fuel is worth risking a life, urging people to think carefully before taking dangerous actions during emergencies. The tanker was said to have fallen between Felicia Emosoga and Esvee Omeke Streets in Eku community. According to the statement, the lawmaker immediately contacted the Commissioner for the Bureau of Special Duties, Hon. Etacherure Ejiro Terry, whose office oversees the Delta State Fire Service. The commissioner reportedly assured him that the matter would be handled without delay.
He added that, fortunately, there were no casualties and no buildings were destroyed except a welding workshop that was affected.
Meanwhile, the council chairman, Hon. Chief Augustine Ogedegbe JP, also praised the Delta State Fire Service and residents of Eku for their swift intervention. In a Facebook post Thursday evening, he noted that their quick actions helped contain the fire and prevented loss of life.
Ogedegbe further reminded the public that scooping fuel from accident scenes is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences. He assured residents that the council remains committed to public safety and urged everyone to follow proper safety procedures during emergencies.
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