The Edo State Government through Egor Local Government Council has cautioned the general public against the act of scooping fuel from accidented fuel tankers, as the act could lead to loss of lives and properties.
Giving this warning during a sensitization program organized by Egor Local Government Council, the Acting Chairman, Dr. Osaheni Igbinigie who was represented by the Clerk of the Council, Mrs. Tracy Ben-Musa at Uselu market square noted the dangers of fuel scooping, explaining that it often results in explosions and the loss of lives on several occasions.
Dr. Igbinigie who advised members of the public to desist from the act of fuel scooping, encouraged them to alert the appropriate authorities in cases of fuel leakage occasioned by accidents or the breakdown of fuel tankers on highways and other parts of the State.
Also speaking at the event, the Representative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Angela Odile advised the public, especially commercial drivers to avoid exposure to inflammable materials, including fuel in their vehicles, as any unnecessary exposure could endanger both the driver and his passengers.
On her part, the Head of Environment Department, Egor Local Government Council, Mrs. Evelyn Ediagbonya described the habit of fuel scooping at tanker accident locations as worrisome, adding that the risks involved in such acts were far more than the gains for it’s perpetuators, as they risk the loss of their lives when explosions occur.
Speaking on the effects of fuel scooping, the Head of Information Department, Egor Local Government Council, Mrs. Augusta Osayande emphasized that the little gains from scooping fuel would not alleviate the after effect of fuel explosions, advising people to stay away from faulty or fallen fuel tankers.
Mrs. Osayande further enjoined the general public to contact appropriate authorities in the occurrence of tanker accidents or breakdown through the following phone number; 09051128533.
