The Katsina State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a statewide campaign to discourage the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
The campaign, which targets road users, security agencies, and community leaders along major highways, began today in Kaita Local Government Area.
Leading the campaign, NOA State Director Malam Muntari Lawal Tsagem visited key locations, including the palace of the Sarkin Sullubawan Katsina, the Kaita Division Police Station, and the Kaita branch office of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Malam Muntari emphasized the grave dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing it as an act of gross indiscipline and a disregard for human life.
He referred to the recent tragedy at Dikko Junction in Niger State, where dozens lost their lives in a fire sparked during fuel scooping.
The director appealed to traditional rulers to educate their subjects, particularly those in communities near highways, about the importance of abiding by the law and respecting human dignity.
Speaking to worshippers at Banu Galadima Jumu’at Mosque, Malam Muntari highlighted that Islam condemns stealing, whether from the living or the dead.
He urged people to refrain from exploiting road accidents to commit such acts, calling them shameful and punishable offenses.
At the NURTW office, the NOA Director advised drivers to strictly follow traffic rules to prevent road accidents, which often result in injuries, loss of life, and property damage.
He cited the Gurara fuel tanker incident, where an explosion caused significant casualties, as a reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior.
Malam Muntari urged drivers to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, avoid night travel, and ensure adequate rest before embarking on journeys to reduce the risk of accidents.