Panic has gripped motorists and residents around Kanshio Market, about three kilometres from Wurukum in Makurdi, Benue State, following the crash of a fuel tanker on the Makurdi-Otukpo Road. The tanker, reportedly belonging to Shafa, crashed on Sunday and became trapped in a section of the highway that had been washed away by heavy rainfall that lasted for several hours.
As of 12pm on Monday, the tanker was still stranded at the scene, positioned within the damaged portion of the road around the Peugeot Company, leaving motorists and residents apprehensive over the potential danger posed by the incident. The affected section of the highway is currently undergoing construction as part of the ongoing dualisation of the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi-Otukpo road. Due to the construction work, traffic has been restricted to one side of the highway around the area, while the other side is under construction.
The combination of the damaged roadway, ongoing construction and the presence of a fuel-laden tanker has heightened concerns among residents and road users, particularly over the possibility of a fire incident should the situation not be promptly addressed. The development has also disrupted the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, with some truck drivers reportedly diverting through Sule Abenga Road in Yaikyo, connecting to International Market Road/Senator George Akume Road, while others are using Terwase Agbadu Road to access the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway.
Residents and motorists have therefore called for the immediate intervention of relevant emergency and security agencies to secure the scene, assess the tanker and prevent unauthorised persons from approaching it. The Benue State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force and Benue State Emergency Management Agency have been urged to urgently deploy personnel and necessary equipment to the scene.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been advised to keep away from the tanker and avoid any activity capable of creating an ignition source around the area. Motorists and residents have particularly been warned against attempting to scoop fuel, while smoking, lighting fires or operating generators close to the scene should be avoided. Parents and guardians have also been urged to ensure that children do not go near the accident site.
With the tanker reportedly still at the scene as of Monday afternoon, urgent action by the relevant authorities is considered necessary to secure the area, protect road users and prevent further danger along the busy Makurdi-Otukpo corridor.
