By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Lagos State government on Monday, January 19, warned residents of the state to stop scooping fuel from fallen tankers, saying they are embarking on a suicide mission.
This warning followed a viral video showing residents of Ajegunle and Olodi-Apapa scooping diesel from a fallen petroleum tanker at the Tincan–Liverpool Bridge area of Apapa despite the obvious risks involved.
The tanker lost one of its aisles and overturned on the edge of the bridge, puncturing its tank, and causing its diesel content to spill from atop the Liverpool Bridge.
Reacting to the incident on Monday, the state government disclosed that though the situation has been brought under control, it warned residents to stop going to scoop fuel from fallen tankers.
The government, in the statement by the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said it was worrisome to see residents with various containers scooping diesel at the scene of the incident.
The statement reads: “A tanker loaded with diesel fell on top of Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2. The tanker sustained damage, leading to the spillage of diesel across the bridge and on the road beneath.
“Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant agencies, have successfully contained the situation to prevent escalation.
“We urge members of the public to exercise restraint, caution, and civic responsibility. Approaching the scene, attempting to scoop fuel, or obstructing emergency operations puts lives at serious risk. Public safety must come first. “Our agencies will continue to manage the situation and ensure the area is secured. Cooperation from residents and road users is critical at this time.”
Nigeria has recorded many incidents of deaths from explosions of fallen petrol tankers. The most recent and gruesome case of such incidents occurred in October 2025 in Niger State, killing at least 42 persons, while about 50 persons sustained various degrees of injuries.
Some Nigerians also reacted to the incident, noting the non-consideration of safety by those scooping fuel from the fallen tanker.
In a tweet, @OurFaveOnlineDoc wrote, “Residents of Lagos are scooping fuel from a tanker that fell on its side in Apapa. Why do our people do something dangerous like this that all it takes is one spark and they’re all dead? Is it poverty? Is it foolishness? Or is it a combination of both?”
@K_darrell0x1 said, “All it takes is just one flick of fire and we lose half of the population in Lagos.”
@DanielRegha wrote, “How will the govt value your lives when you always risk it to scoop 3 litres of fuel once a tanker is involved in an accident?”
Also, @Meenerl4 added, “This is unbelievable… risking your life like that for fuel is just insane!”
@wo_solomon wrote, “God forbid that thing falls on people. We like to think nothing bad can happen until it does.”
@AdelValerieomaa tweeted, “The crazy part is people who have gotten enough won’t leave. They will remain there till they all roast.”
