By Miracle Ogunde
After a tanker loaded with petroleum products overturned near the Mile 6 market along the Jalingo-Numan road, residents of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, engaged in a dangerous scramble for fuel on Wednesday.
According to Daily Post, the accident, which occurred at about 11:45 a.m., caused panic among traders at the market, many of whom hurriedly closed their shops and fled for fear of a potential explosion. However, scores of youths swarmed the scene with cans, buckets, and drums, scooping fuel leaking from the tanker without regard for the risks.
Some of the youths stationed large containers a few meters away from the scene, loading the fuel into drums despite the inherent danger of fire or explosion.
The intervention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) later dispersed the crowd to prevent casualties.
However, many youths had already fled with significant amounts of fuel before the arrival of the security personnel.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the NSCDC in Taraba State, Mr. Illia Samuel, said the command acted swiftly to prevent a disaster.
“Immediately, we received information about the accident, the command drafted our men to the scene to avert any occurrences that could lead to casualties. We will ensure that the area is safe for both residents and travelers,” Samuel stated.
He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to secure the site and prevent further risks.
This incident adds to the growing list of tanker-related accidents in Nigeria, which have often resulted in devastating explosions and loss of lives.
Despite the dangers, such scenes continue to draw residents desperate to scoop fuel.
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