A devastating fire caused by a tanker accident has destroyed homes and shops near Okaki Junction in the Akenfa area of Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. Although no lives were lost, victims have been left counting their losses, with many calling for government intervention.
The fire, which started after a fuel tanker caught fire and overturned, spread quickly to nearby houses and shops, leaving many people displaced. One of the victims, Smart Okhwo, whose house was completely destroyed, shared his ordeal, saying he received a call informing him that his home was on fire.
“I got a call that my house was on fire, and by the time the fire service arrived, everything, including my son’s PoS kiosk, was already destroyed,” Okhwo said.
His house, which also contained shops rented by tenants, was reduced to ashes, with goods and belongings burned in the inferno.
Okhwo blamed the police for causing the accident, claiming they had stopped the tanker by using a tricycle (Keke) to block its path, leading to the tanker overturning.
“The serious thing is that it was caused by the police. Now, they have run away. The driver tried to dodge the Keke, and that’s when the tanker overturned. The next thing was fire,” he alleged.
He also praised those who helped rescue some belongings before the fire service arrived, though much of the property was lost in the chaos. Okhwo called on the government to provide aid, especially for the tenants and small business owners who were affected.
“The government should come and intervene, especially for my tenants and those people who are doing business,” he urged.
Another victim, Dennis Godwin, a house owner from Delta State, had traveled just two days before the incident and was forced to return after receiving news that his home was on fire. He expressed relief that no lives were lost but appealed for help from the authorities.
“I thank God no life was lost, but the government should do something,” Godwin said.
A trader who lost all his goods in the fire also spoke out, demanding justice. “All we need is justice,” the unnamed trader said.
Also Read:
- Borno Dam Collapse – Thousands Displaced as Flood Submerges Maiduguri
- 48 Killed, 50 Cows Burnt as Petrol Tanker Explodes in Niger State
The fire department responded as soon as they received the distress call, but their efforts were hindered by traffic and onlookers. Nelson Meeting, the firefighter who led the crew, said road users failed to give way despite the fire truck’s siren. He also criticized those who were filming the incident instead of allowing the firefighters to do their job, warning that radiation from phones could be dangerous in such situations.
“People don’t know that even videoing is dangerous because of the radiation from the phone. Next time, they should give way and allow firefighters to do their job. They should follow instructions from the firefighters,” Meeting cautioned.
When contacted, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, denied allegations that police officers were responsible for the accident. According to Mohammed, the tanker lost its brakes, causing the driver to lose control and hit the tricycle. The driver, he said, managed to escape and was later rescued from the nearby Epie Creek.
“The allegation that the police caused the accident is not true. The tanker lost its brakes, and the driver hit the Keke, but he escaped and jumped into the Epie Creek, where he was later rescued,” Mohammed explained.