By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned residents of Bauchi State and Nigerians at large against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, warning that such reckless actions often lead to avoidable disasters.
The State Director of NOA, Mrs. Theresa Omaga, gave the warning in a recent interview with our correspondent while reacting to the recent fuel tanker explosion in Enugu and other places which claimed lives and destroyed properties.
She emphasized that fuel spillage poses a severe fire hazard, and any form of tampering with a crashed tanker could result in an inferno capable of causing mass casualties.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing the deadly consequences of fuel scooping. People see a fallen tanker as an opportunity rather than a danger, and in the process, they lose their lives or sustain severe injuries. I urge residents to prioritize safety by staying away from such incidents and immediately alerting emergency responders,” she said.
Beyond fuel-related accidents, Mrs. Omaga also condemned the growing trend of looting at accident or crisis scenes, including robbery incidents and fire outbreaks. She described the act as morally and legally reprehensible, stressing that it worsens the suffering of victims who are already in distress.
“It is heartbreaking to see people taking advantage of others’ misfortunes to steal from them. Looting is not just a crime; it is an inhumane act that erodes our values as a people. We must begin to rethink our approach to crises and cultivate a culture of compassion rather than exploitation,” she added.
She also encouraged relevant agencies to conduct regular emergency response drills to prepare communities for handling such incidents safely.
Mrs. Omaga further appealed to the media to play a proactive role in discouraging hazardous behaviors and promoting responsible citizenship, stating that collective awareness and action are crucial to preventing further tragedies
