Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to a video circulating online, showing Nigerians scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.
The incident took place in Akamkpa, Cross River State within the week. The latest event comes on the heels of a similar one in Jigawa State that claimed the lives of 180 people.
Reacting in a post on his X page, Atiku expressed deep concern over the desperation that drove citizens to risk their lives for fuel.
Atiku went on to call on relevant authorities to launch a robust public awareness campaign to educate citizens on the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen petroleum tankers.
He wrote, “I know that the times are tough for Nigerians. It has even been made more challenging by the trial-and-error policies of this bumbling administration. However, your lives are the most precious things that should never be mortgaged.
“This is why it is pertinent that the concerned government MDAs should commence a robust campaign to educate citizens on the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen petroleum tankers. Your lives matter to you and your loved ones. Scooping petrol, a highly flammable liquid from a fallen tanker, is a suicide that no one should undertake.
“We’ve experienced too many tragedies from incidents such as the latest one in Cross River State, and everything must be done to avert another.”
