A fire service truck belonging to the Oyo State Fire Service has been attacked and vandalised by an angry mob in Saki, Oke-Ogun axis of the state, while firefighters were responding to a distress call.
Heritage Echo News gathered that the incident occurred when officers of the agency were mobilised to attend an emergency situation at Biseri filling station Orogun, Isale Adinni Saki, Oyo State.
The fire tender truck number OY 173 A09, with four (4) men, led by CFS Ayegbokiki in-charge left for the scene of the state fire service was attacked by hundreds of angry mobs with dangerous weapons and in the process, the firemen sustained injuries and the fire tender was also vandalized to the extent that the windshield was smashed, the body of the vehicle was severely marked with strikes of cutlasses and stones.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Service Reform/Agency Chairman, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande confirmed the ugly incident.
Akinwande in a statement released and made available to Heritage Echo News, stated that En route to the scene of the fire,
The firefighters reportedly encountered hostility from some residents, which later escalated into a violent attack on the fire service truck.
He said, “The mob, angered by circumstances yet to be fully clarified, descended on the truck, smashing parts of the vehicle and causing significant damage, thereby disrupting the emergency response operation.
“No loss of life was reported, it was gathered that the incident exposed the firefighters to serious danger while carrying out their official duties. The extent of injuries, if any, is still being assessed.
“Security agencies have since been alerted to the incident, while investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.
“The police are investigating the case and have arrested some suspects in connection with the attack.
“The crew managed to escape during the attacks and finally reported the ugly incident at the divisional police headquarters in Saki. The fire tender is presently at the police headquarters in Saki, to prevent more attacks at their station.
Akinwande further urged the public to cooperate with firemen in the course of discharging their duties, while also warning the miscreants to desist from attacking firemen whilst on their duties, as the law will not hesitate to deal with anyone that attacks or obstructs firemen on duty
The Oyo State Government has repeatedly warned against attacks on public facilities and emergency workers, noting that such actions undermine collective safety and emergency preparedness.
They stressed that fire service personnel are deployed solely to save lives and property, urging residents to cooperate with emergency responders at all times.
