Operatives of the Oyo State Fire Service were brutally attacked by hoodlums on Sunday, February 15, 2026, while responding to a high-risk tanker emergency in the capital city. The incident, which occurred at Atari-Agbon in the Oki area of Olodo, Lagelu Local Government Area, left several firefighters injured, with one officer fighting for his life following a severe head injury. 

The emergency team, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Bamidele Samsudeen, was dispatched following a distress call regarding a MACK trailer tanker (Registration No. KSH329XA). The vehicle, loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), had swerved and blocked the road, posing an immediate threat of a catastrophic explosion. 

THENEWSCREDIT reports that,Firefighters successfully managed to neutralise the flammability of the fuel using chemical foam compounds. However, as the team began packing their equipment, a mob of suspected looters—intent on stealing valuables at the scene—launched a violent assault using stones, broken bottles, and cutlasses. 

The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, described the scene as "chaotic," noting that it took nearly an hour to rescue the critically injured officer due to the hostility of the hoodlums. 

Our correspondent reports ,says, In a disturbing turn of events, the first hospital the team reached refused to admit the injured officer, fearing that the mob might follow and vandalise their facilities. The officer has since been moved to a second medical facility where he is reportedly responding to treatment.

The Oyo State Police Command has intervened, with the incident officially reported at the Iyana Ofa Police Station. 

 Several suspects have already been taken into custody.

 Investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend remaining members of the mob. 

Akinwande condemned the attack as a "threat to public safety," emphasizing that such violence against first responders hinders critical life-saving operations.