Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Sunday commended Ejiro Otarigho, a petroleum tanker driver, for his uncommon heroism that averted a major disaster.

Mr Otarigho, in a rare act of bravery, drove of the petroleum truck that exploded at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area on Saturday, away from the residential area.

The governor’s spokeman Olisa Ifeajika, in a statement in Asaba on Sunday, said the Agbarho-born driver’s bravery and patriotism-propelled risk saved what might have resulted in colossal loss of lives and property.

He expressed deep appreciation to Mr Otarigho for the discretion he applied in steering the already burning truck, laden with petroleum product away from a densely populated area, at the risk of his life, describing his valour as “amazing”.

According to Mr Okowa, this act of bravery and compassion in today’s Nigeria is without equivocation, worthy of commendation and emulation.

“We were delighted to hear of the gallantry of the driver who took the initiative and risk to drive the tanker away from the densely populated area to a secluded area before the tanker finally exploded.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commend Mr Otarigho for what our God Almighty used him to do on that day – saving lives and property by his heroic action.

“We are proud of you and we urge other Deltans and Nigerians to emulate your heroics acts in all their activities,” Mr Okowa said. 

(NAN)