Edo govt seals building over gas explosion

The Edo State Development and Building Control Agency yesterday sealed a building following a gas explosion that caused its partial collapse. The explosion in the Ekosodin quarter of Ovia North East Local Council, near the University of Benin, Edo State, allegedly resulted from a gas cylinder explosion that blew off the building’s roof.

The Guardian learnt that three rooms in the building were destroyed in the explosion, while the injured occupants are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Igabali Imoisili Darlington, confirmed that two students sustained varying degrees of injuries in the incident. He said, “The partial collapse of the building was due to a gas explosion. From all indications, it is obvious that the house is no longer habitable, hence the need for the residents to vacate the premises.”

Darlington added that experts would be engaged to assess the extent of the damage before any further actions are taken. He advised against using the building and ordered it sealed until further notice.

Director of the Department of Urban Renewal, Musa Daudu, stated that it is rare for a gas explosion to cause a building to collapse. He suggested that the structure was likely weak, which contributed to the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, Nosa Asemota, Director of the Department of Planning Permit, sympathised with the victims and advised prospective developers to seek professional guidance before embarking on building projects to avoid similar incidents in the future.

The house’s caretaker, Mrs Victoria Ekong Achibong, recounted the incident, saying, “I was in my shop beside the building when I heard a loud sound. Suddenly, the roof of my shop was blown off, and part of the building came crashing down.” She confirmed that the two injured students received treatment in a nearby hospital.