The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council has condemned the reported attack on firefighters and other emergency responders during the tanker fire at Oluku, along the Benin-Lagos Road.
The council, through its Director of Media, John Mayaki, said emergency personnel must be allowed to carry out their duties without interference, particularly during situations involving significant risks to lives and property.
The tanker incident, which occurred near Oluku Market in Edo State, left several people injured and caused damage to vehicles and parts of the surrounding market. Emergency agencies, including firefighters, the police, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security personnel, were deployed to the scene.
Reacting to reports that some firefighters responding to the incident were pelted with stones, the APC Campaign Council described such conduct, if established, as unacceptable.
Mayaki said firefighters and other emergency responders risk their lives to protect members of the public and should not be attacked while attempting to control a disaster.
He urged residents with concerns about emergency response to channel their complaints through the appropriate authorities rather than obstruct rescue operations.
The council also called on residents to desist from the dangerous practice of scooping petrol from fallen tankers, warning that attempts to collect spilled petroleum products can lead to devastating fires and loss of lives.
The APC council commended firefighters, medical personnel, security agencies, volunteers and other responders involved in the Oluku incident, while calling for greater public cooperation with emergency services.
It also urged authorities to investigate concerns surrounding emergency response to tanker accidents and strengthen preparedness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.