Rivers gas explosion: Council boss seals off gas refilling station

To prevent future gas explosions and protect the lives and property of residents, the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Council of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has sealed off a cooking gas refilling station in Rumuokuta.

Ihunwo, who led his team to the site following a tip-off, made it clear that the exercise was not a witch-hunt but a necessary measure to safeguard lives and property.

He emphasised that the location of the gas station, which was close to residential houses, posed a significant risk to the community.

Ihunwo gave the owner of the facility a 24-hour ultimatum to dismantle the machine, warning that the council would remove it if the owner failed to comply.

He also instructed the chief security officer of the council to impound the machine.

“It is unreasonable for anyone to site this kind of business in a residential area like this,” Ihunwo declared. “I don’t want to endanger the lives of our people, not for any reason.”

The proactive measure, according to him, comes on the heels of a recent gas explosion in the Oroazi area, which highlighted the need for stricter safety regulations.

Also, Ihunwo had earlier announced the composition of an 11-member committee to dismantle all cooking gas refilling points in the various communities.