By Ogochukwu Isioma
Senior officials of the Edo State Government, on Sunday morning, averted a major national disaster that would have claimed the lives of hundreds of Nigerians.
The incident which occurred at the outskirts of Benin City, the State Capital, involved two heavy-duty vehicles, one of which was a petrol tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The alarming situation unfolded when the tanker, despite not overturning, developed a significant leakage due to the collision.
The entire area became heavily saturated with the pungent smell of fuel, raising fears of an imminent explosion that could have claimed hundreds of lives.
Reports indicated that some individuals, seemingly oblivious of the grave danger, were actively attempting to scoop fuel from the leaking tanker, exacerbating the already precarious situation.
Upon receiving the distress call, senior officials of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, wasted no time in mobilizing the Federal Fire Service and directed other critical agencies responsible for disaster management in the state, including the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSema), to the scene.
Security agents quickly sealed off the affected area and diverted all vehicles to ensure public safety.
Efforts are now underway by officials of Edo State Government and sister security agencies to safely transload the highly flammable product from the damaged tanker and subsequently clear the road of the obstruction.
This rapid response and coordinated action by Governor Okpebholo’s administration have been lauded as a prime example of proactive governance, effectively mitigating what could have been a devastating disaster for Benin City and its residents.
