Witness narrates how Ex-HoS, allies diverted public funds to private companies in court
Explosion could have been avoided- Sanwo-Olu
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his displeasure over the gas explosion which he said could have been avoided if operators had followed safety guidelines.
The Governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, had said his government would take strict actions against operators of gas plants and any explosive items in the state to avoid any recurrence of disaster.
While stating his sorrow over lost lives and properties worth millions of naira, Sanwo-Olu said the explosion was a result of negligence on the part of gas plant operators.
He said, “The gas explosion this morning has left a sour taste in my mouth. It is a reminder of the dark episode of March this year at Abule Ado Soba when innocent lives were lost to gas explosions of monumental proportion and properties destroyed. I really can’t believe that we would witness another such incident, no matter how little.”
“I wish to therefore register my heartfelt condolences to the families of those that lost their loved ones in the fire. I pray that God grant their souls eternal rest.”
“The reports I got showed that the explosion could have been avoided if the operators of the gas plant had adhered to safety guidelines. Lives would have been saved and properties too would not have been affected.”
The Governor further enjoined residents to report activities that may cause harm in their neighborhoods to appropriate Lagos State authorities, so that necessary preventive measures may be taken.
He also stated that the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency have been notified of the next line of action.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), the explosion which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, Baruwa area Ipaja, Lagos, has been reported to have claimed eight lives, 25 houses and 18 lock-up shops.
