A security expert, Moruf Yusuf (Ojogbon), has warned members of the public against scooping petrol, diesel or other flammable products from fallen tankers, saying the practice could lead to deadly fires and explosions.
Yusuf gave the warning in the latest edition of his security awareness series, The Secure Mind, Series #136, issued on Thursday, where he urged children, parents, traders, artisans, tenants, landlords and other members of the public to stay away from fallen tankers and immediately alert the appropriate emergency authorities.
According to him, “Scooping fuel is a dangerous act that could have catastrophic consequences,” stressing that people should resist the temptation to collect spilled fuel, regardless of the perceived economic benefit.
He explained that petrol is highly flammable and that its vapour can spread rapidly, making any spark capable of triggering a fire or explosion around the tanker.
Yusuf also advised members of the public not to approach a fallen tanker with fire, vehicles, mobile phones or other objects that could potentially create a spark.
“The best thing to do is to move away, warn others from a safe distance, and immediately contact the appropriate emergency authorities,” he said.
He added that members of the public should allow trained emergency personnel to manage the situation rather than attempting to recover the spilled fuel themselves.
The security expert further warned that the danger was not limited to petrol, noting that diesel and other flammable products could also pose serious risks when spilled following tanker accidents.
He urged safety-conscious individuals to discourage others from approaching fallen tankers, particularly in communities where residents may be tempted to scoop fuel for personal use or resale.
Yusuf said preventing avoidable disasters requires individuals to remain alert and make safety their priority, rather than taking risks that could endanger entire communities.
He concluded with the admonition: “Just be good. Reflect. Stay alert.”
Moruf Yusuf (Ojogbon) is an author of The Secure Mind, a security awareness series focused on helping members of the public develop safer habits and better security consciousness.
