In Nigeria, one of the recurring tragedies that has baffled and saddened observers; both locally and internationally is the phenomenon of people rushing to scoop fuel from fallen tankers. In many of these incidents, the unfortunate outcome has been explosions, leading to massive loss of life and injuries. The devastating pattern begs the question: “Is there an element of the biblical “If we remain here, we die; if we go there, we may die or live” mentality influencing this risky behavior?”
The scripture in question comes from 2 Kings 7:3-4, where four lepers faced a life-or-death situation during a siege on Samaria. Starving and ostracized, they pondered their options: remain at the gate and die from hunger or take a chance by approaching the enemy camp, where they might either be killed or find mercy. Their decision to risk everything ended in salvation as they found the enemy camp deserted and were able to secure food and spoils. However, in the case of fuel scooping in Nigeria, the results are overwhelmingly tragic, and the lives lost continue to raise concerns about the factors that push people into such high-risk decisions.
Across different states in Nigeria, stories of fuel tanker accidents followed by explosions have become all too common. It is an all-too-familiar scene: a fuel tanker crashes, fuel begins to spill, and before emergency services can arrive, people rush to the scene with buckets, jerrycans, and anything that can carry the flammable liquid. Some of these individuals are desperately poor, hoping to sell the fuel and make some money to feed their families. Others may see it as an opportunistic windfall. Yet, time after time, these scenes have ended in explosions, wiping out lives and leaving a trail of destruction.
In July 2019, a fuel tanker explosion in Benue State claimed at least 50 lives, many of whom were villagers who had gathered to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker. In December 2020, a similar incident occurred in Oyo State, killing 10 people. The question arises: What drives people to risk their lives so recklessly?
The need to write this article was compelled by yet another tragic incident that occurred yesterday in Jigawa State, where a fuel tanker accident led to a deadly explosion after residents rushed to scoop fuel from the fallen vehicle. Despite repeated warnings and numerous past tragedies, many lives were lost, underscoring the recurring nature of these incidents. This latest disaster highlights the ongoing desperation, poor public awareness, and systemic failures that continue to drive people into these fatal situations, raising critical questions about the deeper societal and economic issues at play.
There is an undeniable element of desperation at play. In a country where poverty levels are high and many people struggle to make ends meet, the sight of freely available fuel represents a temporary solution to an overwhelming problem. For those living in rural areas or small communities, where access to steady income and basic necessities is precarious, the opportunity to sell the fuel can seem like an immediate lifeline.
This desperate gamble reflects a survivalist mentality akin to the biblical story. In that context, it was a choice between certain death and a slim chance of survival, a dilemma familiar to many Nigerians grappling with economic hardship. When people approach a fallen tanker, they likely know the risks but are driven by the belief that the potential reward might be worth it. It is a dangerous hope that “we may die or live,” but the gamble is often tragic.
Yet, where the biblical lepers found salvation, many fuel scoopers in Nigeria find death. The risks of explosion, fire, and burns are well-documented, and still, the cycle repeats itself. This suggests that more than just desperation is at play; there is also a lack of education and awareness about the gravity of the danger, alongside poor regulation and enforcement of safety protocols.
Another critical aspect of the issue is the government’s role in both prevention and response. Fuel tanker accidents occur with alarming frequency, and while some of these are due to human error, many are caused by poor infrastructure, inadequate road safety regulations, and the failure of authorities to enforce laws strictly.
Nigeria’s roads are notoriously treacherous, with tankers often overloaded or poorly maintained. In many cases, drivers are pressured to make long trips under harsh conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. When tankers fall or leak fuel, the response from emergency services is often slow, allowing enough time for local residents to gather and begin scooping.
In countries where emergency protocols are efficient, police and fire services quickly cordon off accident sites, and residents are warned to stay away. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the delay in such interventions creates a vacuum, enabling the deadly phenomenon to continue.
The government also bears responsibility for raising public awareness about the dangers of scooping fuel. Public service announcements, educational campaigns, and strict enforcement of safety regulations could help curb these preventable tragedies. Local governments, religious leaders, and community influencers can also play a role in educating people about the life-threatening consequences of such actions.
At the core of the problem is Nigeria’s chronic poverty. For many Nigerians, living from hand to mouth is a daily reality. In this context, the decision to risk death for fuel isn’t always about recklessness but about survival. People see a chance to make a quick gain by selling the fuel on the black market, and for some, the decision feels like a calculated risk. In an economy where opportunities are scarce, the lure of “free fuel” seems like a rare opportunity that may not come again.
The fuel scooping tragedy is, therefore, not only a consequence of poor infrastructure and inadequate emergency response but also a symptom of a larger economic problem. When people are driven by desperation and systemic poverty, even the slimmest chance of improving their situation can blind them to the dangers they face.
The biblical story of the lepers presents a powerful metaphor for survival in the face of overwhelming odds. However, where the story differs from the Nigerian reality is in the ending. The lepers found life by risking everything, while most fuel scoopers meet death in their pursuit of fortune.
There is a danger in misinterpreting the biblical message of survival. The lepers weighed their options and took a calculated risk, but they were entering a situation where they believed they had a chance at mercy or reward. In contrast, fuel scoopers in Nigeria face an almost certain death by fire, as seen in repeated incidents. The odds are not balanced, and the risk far outweighs any potential benefit.
Addressing this tragic phenomenon requires a multi-faceted approach. The government must improve infrastructure, enforce road safety laws, and ensure that fuel tankers are maintained and monitored. Emergency services need to be more responsive and effective in cordoning off accident sites before people are tempted to scoop fuel. Public education campaigns must also play a significant role in changing the mindset that scooping fuel is worth the risk.
Ultimately, solving the problem of fuel tanker explosions goes beyond physical infrastructure; it involves tackling the deep-seated poverty that pushes people to make these life-and-death decisions. Until more Nigerians have stable livelihoods and access to economic opportunities, the temptation to risk everything in the face of desperation will persist.
The biblical lepers found life in a desperate situation, but for too many Nigerians scooping fuel, the story ends in death. It’s time for the government, communities, and individuals to work together to ensure that no more lives are lost in this avoidable tragedy.
