By Ovie Okpare
Ejiro Otarigho, a tanker driver, who drove a burning tanker from danger zone to avert what could have been a tragic fire incident at Agbarho Town, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, has narrated what he risked his life to save others.
The incident, if not for Otarigho’s courage, could have led to a major fire disaster which would have claimed several lives and had properties including houses and petrol stations in that neighborhood of the community destroyed.
But the tanker driver drove the burning truck for 25 minutes from a densely populated area to Agbarho River where the tanker was completely razed by the inferno.
The incident took place at about 7pm on Friday with residents and security agents in the area describing the Otarigho’s action as “heroic and life-saving.”
Speaking with NIGER DELTA TODAY on Saturday, the driver, who also hails from the town, said he took the risk to save Agbarho from what could have been tagged “Black Friday”.
He said abandoning the truck in the centre of the town could result in many deaths and razing of property which could have put his life in danger.
“It was my assistant who alerted me that the truck was on fire. We had just left the filling station when we noticed the flames at the end of the tanker and it was fast extending to other parts.
“I drove for 25 minutes passing the busy Five Junction before getting to Agbarho River where the truck was completely razed. I’m happy that no life was lost and no property was also destroyed. Many people thought I wouldn’t come out alive.
There were many luxury cars and people in the area when we noticed the fire. If I had left the tanker on that busy road it would have been catastrophic. I told my boy who was with me to jump out. I was ready to die at that point. I thank God who saved the situation”, Otarigho stated.
Also speaking, the owner of the tanker, Mr Chidebere Ugo, praised Otarigho for his courage for salvaging the situation.
An elated Ugo said “when I saw people running particularly at Five Junction, I thought it was robbery. I was also running. I didn’t know it was my truck that was inflame. A moment after that, Ejiro called to tell me that our truck was on fire.
“I had thought Ejiro would park to save his life but he summoned courage to drive the tanker to the river. I was afraid for Ejiro’s life because if anything had happened, it would have been a different case. Ejiro is an experienced driver. This is not the first time Ejiro is rescuing us. I thank God and I commend Ejiro for his bravery.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians including celebrities have applauded the driver for risking his life to save residents and property.
A social commentator, Mr. Akpodhoma Micheal Mikoko, while hailing the effort of the driver as heroic, said the driver deserved both state and national award for averting a major fire explosion in the state.
Mikoko wrote, “Like the U.S. fighter pilots who faced a ‘Suicide Mission’ to ‘protect the Capitol’ on September 11 2011, this truck driver Mr Ejiro otarigho decided to risked his life to protect lives and Properties in his home town.
“Indeed he deserve a National Honour for averting National disaster, so many properties and lives would have been destroyed in Agbarho Town, Ughelli North LGA of Delta state but the driver say NO. He decided to risked his life to divert the truck from main town to another safe environment.”
Also hailing the driver, a popular Nigerian celebrity, Prof. Helen Paul, wrote, “Special Thank you sir. #Hero. In a world everyone is fighting for personal interest, you still considered many people. God bless you o.”
Prof Helen’s post on her verified Instagram handle has attracted over 200 comments with many of the followers calling on government to accord the driver a special recognition.
