There was tension in Saki, Oyo State, on Thursday evening after some hoodlums attacked officials of the Oyo State Fire Service while they were responding to a fire outbreak. The attackers also damaged a fire service vehicle and other properties belonging to the agency.
The incident happened during a fire outbreak at Biseri Petroleum Station, located at Orogun, Isale Adinni area of Saki. The fire service officials were said to be on their way to put out the fire when they were suddenly attacked by angry mobs.
According to information gathered, the Oyo State Fire Service received a distress call about the fire incident on Thursday evening. As is their duty, officials of the agency quickly mobilised and headed to the scene to prevent the fire from spreading and causing further damage.
However, on their way to the petrol station, the firefighters were waylaid by some hoodlums who attacked them with weapons. The attack forced the crew to abandon their mission temporarily as they struggled to escape from the violent situation.
During the attack, the hoodlums reportedly vandalised the fire service truck, also known as a fire tender. The vehicle suffered serious damage, including a smashed windshield and several dents on the body.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon Maroof Akinwande, later confirmed the incident and described it as unfortunate and disturbing.
“En route to the scene of the fire, hundreds of angry mobs waylaid and attacked the crew members with dangerous weapons,” Akinwande said.
“In the process, the firemen sustained injuries and the fire tender was also vandalised to the extent that the windshield was smashed, and the body of the vehicle was severely marked with strikes of cutlasses and stones.”
He added that the firemen were lucky to escape without loss of life.
“The crew managed to escape during the attacks and finally reported the ugly incident at the divisional police headquarters, Saki,” he said.
To prevent further attacks, the damaged fire service vehicle was moved to the police station in Saki for safety.
“The fire tender is presently at the police headquarters, Saki, in order to prevent more attacks,” Akinwande added.
Following the attack, the Nigeria Police Force swung into action. It was gathered that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigations are ongoing to identify others involved.
Police sources said efforts are being made to ensure that all those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. The police also assured residents that law and order would be maintained in the area.
The chairman of the fire service confirmed that the police are already handling the matter.
“The police are investigating the case and have arrested some suspects in connection with the attack,” Akinwande said.
The attack has drawn condemnation from government officials and residents, who described it as an act of lawlessness against public servants risking their lives to protect others.
Hon Akinwande urged members of the public to always cooperate with firefighters and other emergency workers, stressing that they are on duty to save lives and property.
“Firefighters are not enemies. They are trained to help people during emergencies,” he said. “Attacking them only worsens the situation and puts more lives at risk.”
He explained that delays caused by such attacks could lead to greater losses during fire outbreaks, especially in places like petrol stations where fire can spread quickly.
Fire outbreaks are not uncommon in parts of Oyo State, especially during the dry season when weather conditions make fires spread easily. Petrol stations, markets, and residential buildings are often affected.
In recent years, the Oyo State Fire Service has responded to several fire incidents across the state, often under difficult conditions such as poor road access, traffic congestion, and late emergency calls.
Despite these challenges, firefighters are expected to act quickly and professionally to reduce damage and save lives.
However, attacks on emergency workers have become a growing concern in some parts of the country. There have been reports of fire service officials, health workers, and other responders being assaulted while carrying out their duties.
Some residents of Saki expressed shock over the incident, saying it was wrong for anyone to attack firefighters responding to an emergency.
A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “It is sad that people who came to help were attacked. If they had been allowed to do their work, the fire could have been controlled faster.”
Another resident called on community leaders to help educate youths and residents on the importance of supporting emergency workers.
“Firefighters are there to protect us. We should not see them as enemies,” he said.
Authorities say protecting emergency workers is crucial for public safety. When firefighters are attacked or delayed, fires can spread and cause more destruction.
The Oyo State Government has in the past appealed to residents to remain calm during emergencies and allow trained officials to handle situations professionally.
Officials also stress the need for better community engagement, awareness campaigns, and collaboration between residents and emergency agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, police investigations into the Saki incident were still ongoing. Security agencies are working to identify all those involved in the attack and determine what led to the violence.
The police have urged members of the public with useful information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the injured firefighters are said to be receiving medical attention, and efforts are being made to repair the damaged fire service vehicle.
The Oyo State Fire Service has called for calm in Saki and surrounding areas, assuring residents that it remains committed to protecting lives and property.
Hon Akinwande reiterated that the agency will continue to carry out its duties despite the setback, but stressed the need for public cooperation.
“This kind of attack should never happen again,” he said. “Together, we can ensure a safer environment for everyone.”