Three Remanded Over Attack on Oyo Firefighters at Ibadan Tanker Scene

Three individuals have been remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre following an alleged assault on personnel of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency during an emergency response to a petrol tanker accident in Ibadan.

The suspects were arraigned on Tuesday before the Ejioku Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault, conspiracy, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. The court ordered their remand while other alleged participants remain at large. The matter was adjourned to March 12, 2026.

The incident occurred around 7:44 p.m. on Sunday at Atari-Agbon in the Olodo area of Ibadan, after the agency received a distress call about a fallen gasoline tanker.

According to Dr. Moroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Fire Services Agency and Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform, firefighters led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Bamidele Samsudeen were immediately deployed to the scene to prevent a possible explosion.

He said the team swiftly began containment operations using chemical foam compound and other firefighting equipment to prevent ignition and safeguard residents. No explosion occurred, and the situation was brought under control.

However, trouble reportedly began as firefighters were preparing to leave.

“Suspected looters and hoodlums descended on the scene and began attacking our personnel with dangerous weapons such as broken bottles, stones and cutlasses,” Akinwande stated.

Several officers sustained injuries of varying severity during the attack. One firefighter suffered a serious head injury and had to be extracted from the chaotic scene, a process Akinwande said took nearly an hour due to the hostile environment.

He further revealed that the first hospital contacted allegedly declined to treat the critically injured officer, citing fears that attackers might storm the facility. The officer was later transferred to another hospital, where he is currently receiving care.

Describing the assault as regrettable and unacceptable, Akinwande emphasized that the firefighters were carrying out their lawful duty to protect lives and property.

Following a report at the Iyana Ofa Police Station, three suspects were arrested and subsequently arraigned. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend others who may have been involved.