Sokoto, Nigeria — A major disaster was narrowly avoided in Sokoto when a fuel tanker carrying 45,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned along the Gagi-Nakasari axis in Sokoto South Local Government Area.
The swift response from security agencies, fire services, and emergency responders prevented a potential explosion that could have resulted in severe damage and casualties.
According to Magaji Shanono, an eyewitness who spoke to Radio Nigeria, the tanker overturned while attempting to reverse at the Nakasari Roundabout, leading to a dangerous fuel spill that posed a high fire risk.
The Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, was present to coordinate response efforts, while the State Commissioner of Police ensured security measures were in place to protect lives and property.
Firefighters from both the Federal and State Fire Services arrived promptly, deploying foam concentrate to suppress flammable vapors and prevent ignition.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) led a structured emergency response, implementing safety protocols, dispersing onlookers, and mitigating potential hazards.
To eliminate further risks, emergency responders successfully transferred the spilled fuel into another tanker, while security personnel restricted movement around the scene to prevent residents from attempting to scoop fuel.
The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies, including the Sokoto State Government, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and Sokoto State Marshall Agency.
An eyewitness suggested that the accident may have resulted from the driver’s poor reversing technique. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, and the situation was successfully brought under control.
By Enoch Odesola | March 20, 2025
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