Road safety officers’ wives warn against scooping fuel from fallen tanker

The Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to desist from rushing to scoop fuel from fallen petroleum tankers, warning that it is a deadly act that must be discouraged.

The President of ROSOWA, Dr Nefisat Shehu-Mohammed, made the call at a send-forth ceremony in honour of her predecessor, Hajiya Aisha Ladi-Biu, in Abuja.

In the past two months, no fewer than three tanker explosions have occurred — two in Niger State and one in Enugu State — resulting in the deaths of many citizens.

Consequently, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has urged fuel tanker drivers to adopt anti-spill locks to prevent fuel leaks and reduce explosion risks on major highways.

Shehu-Mohammed, however, emphasised that real change must begin at the community and grassroots level, where proper advocacy is needed to warn people about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

She said, “We need to educate the public, especially at the grassroots, about this dangerous practice. I cannot understand why people rush to scoop fuel despite knowing the imminent danger, as fuel is highly flammable.

“Even the slightest mistake can trigger a fire. People must learn to stay away and allow emergency responders and security personnel to handle the situation.”

The ROSOWA president also raised concerns about the growing number of underage drivers on major roads and highways.

She noted that this issue was one of the reasons the association would soon launch an awareness campaign in secondary schools across the country.

“Underage driving is a menace in our society, and we are working to reduce it to the barest minimum. I cannot understand why parents allow their underage children to drive without meeting the legal age requirement.

“For us, secondary schools are a key focus. That is where we can engage, educate, and advocate for young people to understand that they should not drive until they reach the legal age of 18.”

Earlier in his speech, the Deputy Marshal in charge of training at the Federal Road Safety Corps, Chidi Nkwota, appealed to ROSOWA members to avoid internal divisions within the association.

According to him, forming cliques and factions is one of the quickest ways to derail an organisation’s mission.

He said, “As ROSOWA members, avoid forming cliques or factions of loyalists. Do not say, ‘I am a loyalist of Mrs Oyeyemi’ or ‘I support Mrs Biu.’ ROSOWA is one entity, is it not?

“Management is a continuum. As seen today, four past presidents are sitting together in unity. If they can come together to organise this event, why should there be divisions among you? Respect yourselves.

“There should be no room for backstabbing or infighting. We are here to remind you that we stand with you.”