The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has expressed disappointment over the attitude of some Nigerians handling petroleum products.
The FFS few weeks ago, at the beginning of the current fuel scarcity in the country, warned that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol should be handled with care and not be stored by Nigerians.
Recent incidents however showed that this advice have not been heeded.
A press statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the FFS, Abraham Paul, said the Acting Controller General of the Federal Fire Service Dr. Samson Karebo has expressed disappointment over the attitude of some individuals handling petroleum products, in reference to an incident in Lagos state where a celebrant presented jerrycans of petrol to guests at an event as souvenirs. An action said to be in contravention to public safety.
Karebo however instructed all states and Zonal Commands to be on high alert and begin overt operations in high risk areas especially during this period of fuel scarcity while encouraging all stakeholders to always acquaint themselves with the fire safety code and report any fire incident to the fire station nearest to them.
He also reiterated that the Service will not tolerate any attack on fire men or any form of disruption to their lawful duties, just as he appealed to the members of the public especially commuters to always give the right of way to fire fighters.
He commiserated with the governments and people of Kwara, Plateau and Lagos States on the recent fire incidents in which some persons lost their lives and millions of properties destroyed.
He particularly expressed deep sadness over the accident at Airport Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, involving a commercial bus carrying petrol thereby exploding and resulting in casualties, and another incident in Plateau State where a couple were reportedly burnt to death as a result of an explosion from the storage of petrol in their apartment as well as the recent tanker explosion at Mobil Filling Station in Idi-Oro, Mushin area of Lagos State. All of which resulted in the destruction of lives and properties.
The Ag. CGF specifically commended the joint efforts of all emergency responders at the various scenes, most especially that of the Mobile Filling Station which was coordinated by the operatives of the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Emergency response unit, pointing out that: “If not for the gallantry of these Officers who took the Hose to the Fire at a very great risk to their own lives, there could have been a more disastrous outcome for the residents of the area and state at large.”
He revealed that as a way of appreciating their gallantry, the Acting CGF will be recommending to the Board the immediate promotion of the officers which was led by the Incident Commander, DSF Aloysius Ukwani to their next ranks as a way to encourage them and others who put their lives on the line for the love of their country and humanity.
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