The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned Nigerians against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from crashed trucks carrying petroleum products.
This caution was issued by the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, during a media briefing on Monday in Abuja, where he addressed the alarming number of road crashes and fatalities recorded during the recent Operation Zero Tolerance initiative.
Mohammed noted that fallen tankers have been a significant factor contributing to fatalities, particularly in Niger and Jigawa states. He described the trend as deeply troubling, especially with the loss of lives caused by explosions while people attempt to collect fuel from such incidents.
The Corps Marshal further pointed out several factors leading to accidents with high death tolls. These include using haulage vehicles to transport passengers, overloading, and transporting petroleum products in passenger vehicles. He also noted that driver fatigue remains a leading cause of crashes involving multiple fatalities.
During the briefing, Mohammed provided data on five major accidents that occurred between December 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025.
These included incidents such as the crash in Jing, Plateau State, on December 20, which claimed 11 lives, and the Bende-Ohafia route accident in Abia State on December 22, which also killed 11 people.
Other significant crashes included the Kaduna-Abuja expressway accident on Christmas Day that killed eight people, the Jebba, Kwara State crash on December 26, which resulted in 30 fatalities, and the Owo-Ikare route crash near Ose Bridge on December 28, which claimed 13 lives.
Overall, Mohammed revealed that 37 critical crashes during this period led to the deaths of 247 people, accounting for 39 percent of the total fatalities recorded. He stressed that human error, such as reckless driving and disregard for safety protocols, was the leading cause of these incidents.
To curb these issues, the FRSC plans to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate the public on the dangers of fuel scooping and other unsafe practices. The Corps will also engage with petroleum tanker unions to find long-term solutions to accidents involving tankers.
Additionally, Mohammed urged passengers to avoid traveling in trailers and trucks meant for goods, warning of the inherent risks involved. He advised motorists and travelers to prioritize safety by avoiding excessive speed and overloading, especially at the start of the new year.
