In response to the ongoing scarcity of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which has led to overcrowded fuel stations across cities in Nigeria, the Ogun State Police Command has initiated a partnership with fuel stations to prevent outbreaks of violence.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed in a WhatsApp conversation with PUNCH Online that the collaboration aims to address potential violence resulting from the overcrowding at fuel stations. This proactive measure comes in the wake of a recent incident where a man, Toheeb Eniasa, was reportedly shot at a petrol station in Lagos State, leading to his tragic death.
According to reports, the altercation began when two individuals, believed to be military officers, attempted to bypass the queue and purchase petrol, triggering a confrontation with other customers, including Eniasa. The situation escalated, resulting in one of the military personnel firing a fatal shot.
To prevent similar incidents, the Ogun State Police Command convened a meeting with representatives from major fuel stations across the state. The meeting, held on Monday, emphasized the importance of maintaining order, preventing obstruction of traffic flow, discouraging indiscriminate parking, and averting actions that could incite chaos during fuel sales.
Representatives from notable fuel stations such as Mobil Filling Station, M. Olaoluwa Filling Station, Gateway Filling Station, MRS. Filling Station, A.A. Rano Filling Station, Teejay Filling Station, and Optima Energy Filling Station, among others, attended the gathering.
The directives issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, underscored the need for security and orderliness amid the fuel crisis. Participants were provided with contacts of Divisional Police Officers to facilitate prompt intervention in case of emergencies or disturbances.