The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11 Command Headquarters, Osogbo, Bassey S. Ewah, has warned residents of Osun and Oyo states against scooping petrol and other petroleum products from overturned or accidented tankers, cautioning that the practice could result in devastating fires, explosions and loss of lives.
Ewah gave the warning following a petrol tanker fire at Feesu, along the Iwo–Osogbo Express Road in Osun State, on September 17, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 11 Command Headquarters, Osogbo, Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Iwo promptly mobilised police personnel to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
The officers reportedly secured the area and alerted the Fire Service for immediate intervention to contain the situation.
The AIG commended officers and men of the Osun State Police Command for their swift response, proactive handling of the incident and efforts to keep members of the public at a safe distance from the burning tanker.
He stressed the need for residents to avoid approaching accidented fuel tankers or attempting to scoop their contents, noting that such actions expose people to the risk of severe injuries, explosions and multiple fatalities.
The police warning also comes against the backdrop of a tragic tanker-related incident in Benin City, Edo State, which further highlights the dangers associated with gathering around accidented fuel tankers carrying flammable products.
Ewah assured residents of Osun and Oyo states of Zone 11 Command's continued commitment to proactive policing, public safety and collaboration with relevant emergency response agencies to prevent avoidable tragedies.
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