NOA bans petrol scooping from crashed tankers
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched an awareness campaign in Akwa Ibom State to discourage the dangerous practice of scooping petrol from crashed tankers.
Numerous lives have been lost in fuel tanker explosions across Nigeria, with the most recent incident in Enugu State claiming at least 18 lives. This followed a similar tragedy in Niger State, where over 80 people reportedly died while scooping fuel from a tanker.
Speaking to journalists in Uyo on Monday, the state director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, urged residents to avoid scooping petrol, emphasizing that it is both illegal and hazardous.
“Fuel tanker accidents have become a serious issue for the federal government, especially the aftermath. These incidents not only harm the immediate area but also have a lasting impact on the ecosystem and the economy. We don’t want this to continue,” he said.
He further stated that although no such accidents have occurred in Akwa Ibom State yet, the agency is taking a proactive approach by advising the public to stay away from such scenes if they happen. “If you ever encounter a tanker accident and fuel starts spilling, don’t attempt to scoop it. Run for your life,” he warned.
Mkpoutom also addressed the recent cholera outbreak in Emere-oke, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, praising the Akwa Ibom state government for its swift response in controlling the situation. He attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water in the community, advising residents to maintain proper hygiene and avoid open defecation, as cholera is preventable and not airborne.
He urged the community to report any disease outbreaks to health authorities for quick intervention, noting that the state government’s rapid response helped curb the spread of cholera. He also highlighted the importance of good sanitation practices, especially in coastal areas where access to clean water can be challenging.
Mkpoutom further cautioned against the indiscriminate placement of gas stations in residential areas, which poses a safety risk. He called on operators to comply with government regulations to ensure public safety.
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