Hoodlums looting valuables at the scene of a fire outbreak on Sunday attacked operatives of the Oyo State Fire Service in Ibadan, leaving one officer seriously injured and disrupting emergency response efforts.

The incident occurred at Atari-Agbon in the Oki area of Olodo, Ibadan, as firefighters battled to prevent a major explosion involving a petrol-laden tanker.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, describing the attack as unfortunate and a threat to public safety.

According to him, the emergency team, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Bamidele Samsudeen, was promptly mobilised to the scene following a distress call.

On arrival, the firefighters discovered that a MACK trailer tanker with registration number KSH329XA, loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), had swerved off the road and crossed an open section, obstructing vehicular movement and posing a grave danger to residents and passersby.

Akinwande explained that the presence of highly inflammable content in such volume required swift and professional handling to avert a catastrophic explosion.

“Our officers immediately swung into action by applying chemical foam compound with the aid of other preventive equipment to suppress the risk of ignition and contain the situation,” he said.

He noted that the operation was carried out successfully, with the fire risk neutralised and normalcy gradually restored to the area. However, trouble began while the officers were packing up their equipment after completing the assignment.

“It was during the process of retrieving our equipment that suspected looters and hoodlums descended on the firefighters, attacking them with dangerous weapons including broken bottles, stones and cutlasses,” Akinwande stated.

The attackers, reportedly attempting to siphon fuel and cart away valuables from the tanker, turned on the emergency responders in a chaotic scene that left several firefighters injured.

One officer sustained a severe head injury and had to be rescued amid the violence. Akinwande revealed that it took nearly an hour to evacuate the injured officer from the scene due to the intensity of the assault and the unruly conduct of the hoodlums.

In a further twist, the first hospital the victim was taken to allegedly declined to treat him over fears that the violent mob might trail the firefighters to the facility and vandalise its premises.

“The officer has since been moved to another hospital where he is currently receiving treatment and responding well,” Akinwande confirmed.

The Fire Service chairman condemned the attack, stressing that such acts endanger not only emergency personnel but also the wider community, as they hamper swift response to life-threatening situations.

He added that the matter had been reported at the Iyana Ofa Police Station, and some suspects had already been arrested.

“Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other culprits and ensure they are brought to justice,” he said.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with emergency responders and security agencies, warning that interference with rescue operations could lead to avoidable disasters.