ASHENEWS reports that a major disaster was averted in Sokoto on Tuesday following the swift intervention of security agencies, fire services, and emergency responders after a fuel tanker overturned along the Gagi-Nakasari axis in Sokoto South Local Government Area.
The tanker, carrying 45,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), fell while attempting to reverse at the Nakasari Roundabout, spilling fuel and posing a high risk of fire and explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have been performing repairs or was improperly positioned during the maneuver, leading to the accident.
Although no official statement had been released at the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Secretary to the Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, was present at the scene, coordinating efforts to prevent an explosion. The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police also supervised security measures while firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the situation.
Emergency response
A combined team of the State Fire Service (SFS) and the Federal Fire Service quickly arrived at the scene, deploying foam concentrate to neutralize flammable vapours and prevent ignition. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also led a coordinated response, enforcing safety measures, controlling crowds, and mitigating hazards.
By 2:30 PM, emergency responders successfully evacuated the fuel into another tanker, eliminating further risks of spillage or explosion. Security operatives restricted movement around the scene, preventing residents from attempting to scoop fuel—an act that could have triggered a disaster.
This platform further reports that key stakeholders in the response involved multiple agencies, including the Sokoto State Government, Nigerian Police Force (NPF), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and State Fire Service (SFS).
Others are the state Disaster Management Platforms (DMP), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and Sokoto State Marshall Agency.
While it was observed that driver fatigue and poor reversing technique were suspected to have caused the accident, the nine-hour fuel evacuation process highlighted logistical challenges in handling such emergencies.
ASHENEWS observed that not for crowd control efforts by security agencies, bystanders would have succeeded in their attempt to scoop fuel.
The timely intervention of emergency responders prevented a catastrophe, but the incident highlights the need for stricter safety measures, improved driver training, and enhanced infrastructure. Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the accident and take preventive steps to avert similar occurrences in the future.
