Angry residents of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday pelted stones on men of the State Fire Service while attempting to extinguish fire from a fallen petrol tanker in the area.
The residents who stormed the scene of the incident to scoop the fuel content, reportedly stoned the firefighters when they arrived to prevent the looming disaster.
Reacting to the incident, State Fire Chief, Engr Martins Agbili condemned the act, warning residents against frequent attacks on firefighters while carrying out their duty.
He said, “The incident happened at about 7:30a.m. on Tuesday at Awkuzu, when we received a distress call about the precarious situation.
“I responded swiftly by deploying my team of firefighters and firetrucks to the scene, given the possibility of an explosion or fire outbreak from the tanker laden with petrol.
“Upon their arrival, however, the residents already immersed in the dangerous act, threw stones at my men as they saw them as hindrance to scooping the fuel and ignoring the inherent dangers.
“It took intervention of officers from the State Police Command and military personnel to rescue the firefighters, as well as disperse and control the hostile crowd for the firefighters to carry out their duty.”
While reiterating grave dangers associated with such reckless behaviour, Agbili regretted alarming frequency residents were roasted alive while scooping fuel during similar incidents.
“One wonders why people persist in these dangerous acts despite witnessing horrific consequences and being continually warned of the potential dangers through news reports and advocacy.
“We once again warn Anambra residents to cease from such dangerous ventures. Those who tempt fate in such incidents will bear the blame for their misfortunes,” he added.
Meanwhile, the State Fire Chief has refuted reports alleging that Niger bridge was on fire.
Agbili described the rumour as false, warning residents against circulating unverifiable messages.
Social media was Tuesday evening awashed with reports and video clips showing the Bridge was engulfed in flames.
Clarifying the true situation in a short video clip, Agbili said the fire incident on the bridge was caused by head-on collision between two vehicles at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
“The State Fire Service acted swiftly to contain the flames. As at 9.pm, the fire had already been extinguished.
“I wonder why people will keep on circulating messages that are untrue.
“Disseminating false content not just misinforms but also fosters unnecessary panic among the populace,” he stressed.
The Fire Chief encouraged the public to disregard such fabricated reports and go on with their daily routines without fear or apprehension.
He further underscored importance of fire prevention, reminding residents that while fire could kill, it could also be averted with proper precautions.
“We urge everyone to take necessary measures to avert and prevent fire outbreaks at every point in time, especially in this dry season,” he added.
