The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Benue Sector Command, has reported that 411 Nigerians lost their lives while scooping fuel from fallen tankers in 2024.

Sector Commander Mr. Steve Ayodele made the disclosure in Makurdi yesterday during a town hall meeting with trailer and tanker drivers on crash prevention.

READ MORE: Security Operatives Thwart Armed Bandits’ Attack in Benue

The commander highlighted that unregulated driving hours, overloaded tankers, and insufficient safety inspections remain key factors contributing to road accidents. He urged participants—including drivers, community leaders, and government agencies—to commit to changing attitudes and protecting lives.

Mr. Babalola Sheba, Head of Operations at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), warned about the environmental and health dangers associated with fuel scooping. “Fuel spills pollute the soil, water, and air, contaminate drinking water, and harm agriculture and aquatic life,” he said.

Sheba also noted the direct health risks, adding, “Inhaling fuel fumes can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.” He revealed that the agency plans to mandate the installation of anti-spill safety valves and speed limiters on all petroleum product tanker trucks.

The NMDPRA official further disclosed a new colour-coding system for fuel trucks: light blue for petrol, deep yellow and light blue for diesel, deep yellow for kerosene, black for aviation fuel, and deep green for biofuels.

Mr. Emmanuel Ogbanje, State Coordinator, Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service in Benue, stressed that preventing fuel scooping requires a culture of regular vehicle inspections, compliance with axle load regulations, and strict adherence to traffic laws.

“Safety is not a goal but a continuous process,” Ogbanje said. He urged drivers to always carry valid licences, avoid overloading, and report unsafe practices. He also called for increased public education and collaboration among stakeholders to foster a culture of road safety across the state and beyond.

Woman Arrested for Allegedly Abusing 5-Year-Old Niece in Osun

Gbemisola Oladepo has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Zone XI Command in Osogbo for allegedly physically abusing her five-year-old niece.

Confirming the arrest on Monday, the Zone XI Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ade Ogunyemi, told DAILY POST that Oladepo was detained following a report of the abuse.