The Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, has called for total compliance with safety rules in order to save lives and properties, while also agreeing with the state government in taking stiffer measures to prevent further Gas explosion and other fatal accidents in the state.
He gave the charge while reacting to the gas explosion that occurred today in Baruwa area of Alimosho Local Government in Lagos, which claimed many lives while properties worth million of naira were lost.
In a statement signed and released by the former bank executive, he also commiserated with the families of the victims of the explosion and residents of the area who, according to report, were devastated by the unfortunate incident.
The release reads thus:
“This morning, I received the report of an explosion that occurred at Best Roof Cooking Gas Plant, Baruwa, Alimosho Local Government (LGA), Lagos State, with grief. As a result of this gas explosion, lives were lost; properties devastated and some residents around the plant sustained varying degrees of injury.
“This explosion occurred only a fortnight after a similar incident wreaked havoc at Iju Ishaga in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Lagos State, and about seven months earlier, another explosion decimated lives and assets in Abule Ado, Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Lagos State. All these incidents are indeed grievous and painful to us all, especially the families of the victims.
“In sobriety, therefore, my heart is with the families of those who suffered mild and irredeemable fatalities due to this explosion. I pray God comfort and strengthen you all. I also commiserate with my dear brother and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on this incident.
“Already, the final report of the state government and its regulatory agencies have identified negligence on the part of the gas plant operators as the roots cause of the explosion. As a result, the state government has promised to take stiffer measures against operators of gas plants or any combustible items in the State to avoid future recurrence of such disaster.
“We agree in entirety with the measures the administration of Mr. Sanwo-Olu has taken. We, therefore, urge the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to further synergise with the Lagos State Government to ensure total compliance with health, safety and environment standards before and after licenses are issued to the operators of gas plants.
“We also urge all residents statewide to always report cases of violation anywhere health, safety and environment standards are compromised in the state. Every Lagosian must take this obligation seriously in support of the government and as a measure to forestall avoidable loss of lives, destruction of assets and disruption of public life in the future”.
