In the last seven days, at least 13 people have died in Rivers, Osun, and Delta States. Guess how? Tanker explosion.
This explosion did not end with the death of these people, 130 vehicles were burnt, and multiple residences damaged.
Unfortunately, this is something that happens mostly when the oil-rich nation is facing petrol scarcity.
Every day you go out of your house for your daily hustle and return unharmed, well and fine, then you should be thankful, not many people are lucky to share this story of safety.
You see, tanker explosions remain a recurring issue in Nigeria.
It has resulted in the tragic loss of numerous lives and significant damage to properties.
Groups and individuals have expressed growing concerns over the recent incidents.
As a matter of fact, they are now advocating for improved methods of transporting petroleum products nationwide.
Recap Of Tanker Explosion Incidents
Before we go further, let’s take a quick recap of some of the recent explosions which have claimed lives and destroyed properties.
Friday, April 27, was a tragic day in Rivers State.
On that ill-fated day, a tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, caught fire in the state.
This explosion caused severe injuries to motorists and commuters and damaged at least 120 vehicles.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of five individuals, including a pregnant woman.
Less than 12 hours after the incident in Rivers, a gas tanker exploded in Ita-Osun, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The sad incident occurred on Saturday, April 29, resulting in the death of one person.
It caused serious injuries to about five people and left five vehicles burnt.
More Explosions
Before Nigerians could get over the shocking incident in Ogun State, another petroleum tanker explosion was reported.
It was on Friday, May 4, in Ometan-Okpe community along the Effurun-Sapele Road in Okpe local government area of Delta State.
That explosion resulted in the tragic deaths of about eight people including a breastfeeding mother and her three-month-old baby.
According to sources at the scene, a 16-year-old secondary school girl and her mother, who were trapped in their apartment during the fire incident, also lost their lives.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors Forum, consisting of all 36 governors, revealed on April 28 that they were engaged in discussions with various federal agencies in the oil and gas sector.
Safer Transportation
The aim is to implement safer transportation methods for petroleum products throughout the nation.
The forum’s Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, visited the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, to commiserate with Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the incident.
The was where he spoke.
AbdulRazaq said: “We also spoke with the Head of the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, and there will be a review of some laws.
“There will also be engagement between the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency and state agencies in terms of ensuring health and safety on these issues.
Introduction Of Pipeline
“As you know, Nigeria relies a lot, virtually, on pipelines for the movement of petroleum products, and we need to strengthen regulations in that sector, and also emphasise on improving and expanding pipelines for the transportation of products as well”.
Have You Read: Ogun Gas Explosion: Nine Factory Workers In Serious Injury
Furthermore, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, vowed to cease granting licenses to gas companies that are incapable of constructing pipelines for gas distribution.
Ekpo emphasised the need for companies to transport gas through pipelines.
This to him will minimise incidents like tanker explosion and alleviate pressure on road infrastructure.
