By Milcah Tanimu

A fully loaded NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) tanker became stuck and caused a traffic gridlock for travelers heading from Oju Odo, Synagogue Church, to the Ikotun area of Lagos State. The incident occurred on a Tuesday morning, as reported by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofeek.

According to the statement, LASTMA officials successfully averted a potential fire disaster and prevented miscreants from looting the tanker’s cargo. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue team were also on-site to trans-load the product from the stranded tanker to an empty one.

The statement revealed that the NNPC tanker, fully loaded with petroleum products, became hooked and blocked the entire road leading to Ikotun from the Synagogue Church. LASTMA responded promptly to manage the situation, ensuring the safety of the cargo until the arrival of police officers from the Ikotun Police Division.

To ease traffic congestion, motorists were redirected through alternative routes. Motorists traveling to Ikotun/Ejigbo/Jakande were diverted through Ijegun Road, while those coming from Ejigbo were directed to access the area via Ile-we and Liasu Road.

Trans-loading of the petroleum product began once an empty tanker arrived at the scene, with the assistance of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services.