Fuel Scarcity Hits Ilorin: Soldiers Invade Petrol Station, Serve Petrol to Motorists Free

 

 

Mild drama ensued yesterday as gun wielding soldiers took over a petrol station in Tanke Oke-Odo, Illorin and sold fuel to motorists and other users free of charge.

 

According to Daily Trust report, because of the unavailability of petrol, many people had queued up at the petrol station in anticipation of the sale of the product, but the station refused to dispense the fuel. 

 

The queue it was reported, disrupted vehicular movement as people struggled to get in line. Several petrol stations within the city have been under lock and key since Friday. Unable to bear the sorry sight, the soldiers invaded the petrol station and started serving fuel to the long queue of people for free.

 

Some residents attributed the development to alleged plan by tanker drivers to embark on a strike, while others said dealers were hoarding the product over fear of reduction in pump price.

 

Although the incident is yet to be confirmed by any authoritative source; however, the factional chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), kwara state chapter, Mr. Abdulrasheed Olopade, said the fuel crisis is as a result of non-availability of fuel at NNPC depots in the western zone.

 

He however urged the federal government to find a solution to the matter urgently as many people are suffering because of the scarcity.