Residents raise the alarm over indiscriminate gas plants to avert reccurrence
The Federal Government has said that it is awaiting the outcome of the forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the actual cause of the Ibadan tragic explosion that happened last week.
However, the Federal Government, in a statement by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, said it is now waiting for the outcome of forensic investigations that will determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident that led to loss of life and property.
Alake, who had also been at the forefront of working with the security agencies to unearth the cause and put mechanisms in place to avert a recurrence, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would be committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.
He said the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations, hence the people could be better informed, culprits brought to book, and concerted efforts put in place to avoid a recurrence.
MEANWHILE, the residents’ association along General Gas to Iyana Church has appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to address the looming danger posed by indiscriminate citing of gas tank farms, petrol stations and gas stations within the areas.
They, however, urged the government to prevent a recurrence of the tragic event.
Chairman, Kolapo Ishola GRA, Olalekan Thanni and Vice Chairman, Carlton Gate Residents Association, Jimi Bolusire, who addressed newsmen after the meeting of landlords in the area, said the recent incident served as a reminder of the potential dangers faced in their communities.
The duo said that they could not afford to overlook the risks associated with the current placement of gas and fuel facilities in such close proximity to their homes, schools and churches.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting emphasised the urgent need to address the imminent danger and prevent a more devastating impact.
The residents, however, demanded that the government and relevant agencies should scrutinise the violations of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) guidelines and regulatory approvals in the establishment of fuel and gas facilities within residential communities and public places to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic event.
