A tanker fire near Okaki Junction in the Akenfa area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has caused extensive damage to shops and homes, though no casualties were reported.
According to The PUNCH, one of the victims, Smart Okhwo, a resident from Ofoni in Sagbama Local Government Area, recounted his ordeal, saying, “I received a call that my house was on fire. By the time I got there, my house and my son’s PoS kiosk were already destroyed.”
Okhwo further revealed that goods belonging to tenants with shops in his building were lost in the fire. He praised the efforts of those who helped rescue items before the fire service arrived.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted after a tanker overturned and ignited, spreading flames to nearby buildings and businesses. Okhwo alleged that police actions contributed to the incident.
“The police stopped the tanker by using a keke (tricycle) to block the way. The driver tried to avoid the keke, which led to the tanker somersaulting and catching fire.”
Another victim, Dennis Godwin, who hails from Delta State, said he received a distress call while out of town, informing him that his property was engulfed in flames.
“I’m grateful that no lives were lost, but I urge the government to assist those of us affected,” Godwin appealed.
A trader, who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented the destruction of his goods, calling for accountability. “All we need is justice,” he said.
Nelson Meeting, the firefighter leading the response team, noted challenges in reaching the scene due to road users failing to clear the way, despite their siren blaring. He also expressed frustration with onlookers, who were recording the fire.
“People don’t realize that videoing during such a situation is dangerous due to the phone’s radiation. Next time, they should give firefighters the space to work safely,” Meeting advised.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, refuted claims that officers were responsible for the tanker accident, stating that the tanker’s brakes had failed, causing the driver to lose control.
“The keke driver managed to escape and jumped into the nearby Epie Creek, where he was later rescued,” Mohammed clarified.
