LSHA Spokesman Raises Alarm Over Deadly Fuel Scooping Incidents in Lagos

 LSHA Spokesman Raises Alarm Over Deadly Fuel Scooping Incidents in Lagos

By DD Media Insight 

The Spokesman of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, has issued a firm warning to residents against the dangerous and unlawful practice of scooping fuel from spill sites, describing it as a recurring threat to lives, property, and public safety.

Hon. Ogundipe, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I and chairs the House Committee on Information Strategy and Security, made the remarks while reacting to the recent fuel spillage incident in Apapa, as well as similar occurrences recorded across the state.

According to the lawmaker, it has become a disturbing trend for residents to rush to accident scenes involving fallen fuel tankers or leaking pipelines in a bid to scoop petroleum products, often disregarding the grave risks involved.

He stressed that petroleum products are highly volatile, noting that minimal sparks from mobile phones, vehicle engines, or power generators are sufficient to trigger explosions capable of causing mass casualties.

Citing previous tragedies linked to fuel scooping, Hon. Ogundipe described the repeated loss of lives as avoidable and deeply regrettable. He emphasized that no economic hardship or material gain justifies risking human life.

The LSHA spokesman outlined the far-reaching consequences of fuel scooping, including fatal explosions, life-threatening burns, permanent disabilities, destruction of homes and businesses, environmental degradation, and disruption of economic activities within affected communities. He added that such incidents unnecessarily overstretch emergency services and healthcare facilities.

Beyond the safety implications, Hon. Ogundipe warned that fuel scooping constitutes a criminal offence under existing public safety and environmental protection laws. He cautioned that individuals found engaging in the act risk arrest and prosecution.

He urged residents to immediately vacate spillage sites and promptly notify relevant authorities, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and security agencies, to enable swift and professional intervention.

The lawmaker also called on community leaders, transport unions, youth organizations, and civil society groups to intensify grassroots sensitization on the dangers of fuel spillages, stressing that preventing avoidable disasters requires collective vigilance and responsible citizenship.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly to safeguarding lives, Hon. Ogundipe stated that the legislature would continue to support policies, awareness campaigns, and enforcement measures aimed at improving public safety across the state.

He concluded by appealing to residents to prioritize safety over momentary gain, noting that responsible behavior during emergencies remains critical to building a safer and more resilient Lagos.

DD MEDIA INSIGHT