Sir: On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, I was opportune to witness the visit by the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the scene and families of the Agbor tanker explosion victims which occurred on Sunday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

At the places visited, I saw grieving families, males, females, adults, youths and children – all endlessly gazing into the horizon of hopelessness. Their unspoken words were loud enough for all to hear and feel. Their pains are so heavy and infectious to the extent that whoever steps into their arena, no matter how courageous, will be forced without prompting, to feel sober and contemplate on the human existential journey.

Most importantly, the excruciating pains and agony not only brought to the fore the frail nature of our humanity but more than anything else, the pain the grieving families currently face. The blood-chilling scenario that I saw was so strong to humble the brave hearted.

At about the same time, I also witnessed the consoling words of the visiting Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). His words for the grieving families were consoling and rapped in both sympathy and empathy.

Aside from describing the occurrence as the most unfortunate incident that has occurred this new year just when the festivities were coming to an end, his countenance and that of his entourage spoke to the fact that we are in this world to look out for, and be strong for one another.

At the family of Mr. Festus Adomgbor who lost his wife, Debora to the inferno, Mr. Ebie while consoling the bereaved husband, said: “We cannot question the ways of the Lord. But all we can say is that we thank God for your life and we hope that with time, you will be able to bear and get over the loss of your dear wife…We pray that God will give you and the family, the fortitude to bear this loss.”

From Adomgbor’s family compound to that of Mr. Ifeanyi, another bereaved who lost his dear wife, Elizabeth to ugly occurrence, the NDDC Board chairman also gave a message of consolation. Speaking at the scenes of the fire, Ebie gave an assurance that he will definitely see how best he can support the affected persons. He also called on not just government institutions but good spirited individuals to come to their aid.

First of all, this is the most unfortunate incident that occurred this year. Most especially, at this time of the year when people had just completed the end of the year festivities and are excited for the prospects of the new year. Then, we have this unfortunate incident. Like I said earlier, we have two categories of people. We have those that lost their loved ones, and were severely affected and those that have lost their sources of livelihood. Whatever the case may be, we commiserate with both sets of people. It’s unfortunate.

On safety measures, he expects relevant authorities to take, in order to forestall reoccurrence of such ugly incident, Ebie said: “In Agbor particularly, this is the second time in the past four years. A couple of years ago, we had one, around that Obi Road, along the expressway. Yet again, that was caused by a tanker driver as well.  Now, for the safety measures, tanker drivers and drivers in general should exercise due control and make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy. This is the middle of town. I just can’t imagine how fast you’re driving. I’m also calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps, to ensure that road users adhere to rules and guidelines of the road. But more importantly, they should make sure these vehicles are roadworthy. Because, I understand that the brakes of these vehicles failed.

Responding on behalf of the victims whose houses and business were destroyed, Mr. Sunday Omoruyi lauded Ebie for the visit at the critical moment of their lives.

While pleading for support from all, he called on the visiting NDDC Governing Board chairman, to use his good office to prevail on relevant agencies to ensure that such incident is permanently prevented in the future.

Ebie has set the ball rolling, this is a timely and clarion call on all to come to the aide of the Agbor tanker explosion victims. All hands must be on deck now!

Jerome-Mario Utomi, a media specialist, wrote from Lagos.