The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has prevented a potentially devastating tanker explosion and contained a separate overnight fire outbreak in Ibadan, recording no casualty in the two incidents.
The first incident occurred at Ajia along the New Ife Road Expressway, Ibadan, where a trailer tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) swerved off the road into a nearby ditch while its driver attempted to manoeuvre around potholes.
A distress call was received at about 10:45 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adeniyi.
Upon arrival, the crew found the tanker, with registration number BDG 548 YK (Lagos), in the ditch with AGO spilled from the vehicle, creating a potentially hazardous situation.
The firefighters immediately applied foam chemical compound to blanket the spilled product and suppress the release of flammable vapours, thereby preventing possible ignition, explosion and further escalation of the incident.
Preliminary assessment attributed the accident to the driver’s loss of control while attempting to avoid potholes on the highway. No casualty was recorded.
The fire appliance returned safely to the station at about 5:30 p.m. and remained on operational standby.
Hours later, the Agency responded to another emergency at Isale Osi, Born Photo area of Ibadan, where a midnight fire engulfed eight of 15 lock-up shops and an adjoining old residential building.
The incident was reported at about 2:32 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, following a distress call from Mrs. Ronke Azeez.
A firefighting crew led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Adedeji promptly mobilised to the scene and met the affected shops engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the premises.
The firefighters immediately commenced firefighting operations and successfully brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading to the remaining shops and other nearby properties.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was suspected to have been caused by an unattended electrical appliance plugged into a power source at one of the affected shops.
No casualty was recorded in the incident, although eight shops and the adjoining residential building were affected by the fire.
The fire appliance returned safely to the station at about 5:05 a.m. and was placed on standby.
Reacting to the two incidents, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged residents and motorists to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent avoidable emergencies.
Akinwande advised motorists to exercise caution on highways, comply with road traffic regulations and avoid reckless manoeuvring, particularly on roads with dangerous potholes.
He also stressed the importance of installing and maintaining functional fire extinguishers in vehicles, shops, homes and other buildings to enable early intervention before fire incidents escalate.
The Chairman further urged members of the public to promptly report fire emergencies and provide accurate locations to facilitate swift response by firefighters.
The Agency’s emergency lines are 08067439223, 08054353501 and 615 (toll-free).
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