Firefighters of the Oyo State Fire Service were violently attacked by suspected looters while responding to a petrol tanker accident at Atari-Agbon, Oki Area, Olodo in Ibadan on Sunday night.
The distress call was received at exactly 7:44 p.m. on February 15, 2026, through a telephone report and via Mr. Olalekan Oderinu of Crest FM, alerting authorities to a tanker accident at the location.
Firefighters, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Bamidele Samsudeen, were immediately mobilized to the scene. On arrival, they discovered a MACK trailer tanker (Reg. No. KSH329XA) loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) had swerved off course and obstructed the roadway, posing a serious risk of explosion and disrupting vehicular movement.
The team swiftly commenced operations, applying chemical foam compound and deploying other preventive equipment to contain the highly flammable substance and avert a potential disaster. The situation was professionally managed, and the risk of explosion was successfully neutralized.
However, while firefighters were packing up their equipment after the operation, suspected looters and hoodlums launched a violent attack on the crew. The assailants reportedly used broken bottles, stones, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons.
Several firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries, including one officer who suffered a severe head injury. Due to the chaotic activities of the attackers, it took nearly an hour to rescue the critically injured officer from the scene.
The first hospital the victim was taken to allegedly declined immediate treatment over fears that the hoodlums might invade and vandalize the facility. He was subsequently transferred to another hospital, where he is currently responding to treatment.
The incident has been reported at the Iyana Ofa Police Station, and some suspects have been arrested. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the attack.
The firefighting appliance eventually returned to the station at 2:35 a.m. and remains on standby.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and Special Adviser on Fire Reform, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, strongly condemned the attack. He warned that those arrested would face the full wrath of the law and cautioned members of the public against assaulting emergency responders.
He encouraged firefighters to remain steadfast in their humanitarian duties, assuring them of government support and protection. He also reiterated the importance of installing fire extinguishers in vehicles and buildings to help prevent fire incidents at the early stages.
Residents are urged to report fire incidents promptly and provide accurate addresses via the emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501, or the toll-free number 615.
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