Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital, were thrown into panic on Thursday after a fuel tanker developed a leak along the City Gate area, prompting scores of people, including children and adults, to defy safety warnings and rush to scoop the spilling petrol.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, attracted a large crowd within minutes as residents arrived with buckets, jerrycans and other containers to collect the leaking fuel, despite the high risk of an explosion or fire outbreak.

Eyewitnesses said the scene quickly became chaotic as people scrambled to obtain the fuel, while concerned motorists and nearby residents expressed fears that the situation could degenerate into a major disaster if the tanker ignited.

The development once again highlighted the recurring danger posed by fuel scooping incidents in Nigeria, where similar occurrences have in the past resulted in devastating explosions and significant loss of lives.

As of the time of filing this report, emergency management agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while there were no visible efforts to cordon off the affected area or restrict access to the leaking tanker, raising concerns over public safety and emergency response.

Confirming the incident, Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the tanker indeed developed a leak, attracting a large crowd to the scene.

However, Edafe assured that the situation did not escalate into any tragedy.

“Nothing untoward happened since the incident occurred,” the police spokesman said.

Residents have called on emergency responders and relevant authorities to strengthen public sensitisation campaigns and ensure prompt intervention whenever such incidents occur to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property.