Following the tragic explosion in Abule Ado, Lagos, on Sunday morning, March 15, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed his reaction to the incident which claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals.
In his message shared on Instagram, Sanwo-Olu mourned the deceased and extended his sympathies to the affected families.
He assured that thorough investigations will be carried out to uncover the root cause of the tragedy. Additionally, he advised residents of the area to steer clear of the site to prevent inhaling contaminated air.
In his words:
Today is indeed a sad day for residents of Abule-ado and environs, and for all Lagosians.
I hereby express my heartfelt condolences to victims of the explosion that erupted earlier this morning, and left burning buildings, collapsed structures, and loss of lives in its wake.We will conduct thorough investigations to get to the root of this tragedy.
All relevant agencies are fully on ground to put out fires, search for victims trapped in the rubble and administer first aid where necessary.The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has also been instructed to immediately distribute personal safety equipments, like face and nose protection masks to first responders, safety workers and residents of the affected area.
I hereby urge residents in the area to maintain a safe distance from the disaster scene, to avoid inhaling polluted air, and to please allow the emergency workers carry out their duties.
May the souls of those who lost their lives Rest In Peace. Amen.
Kennie Obateru, a spokesperson of the NNPC, has said that the blast occurred after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant located near the corporation’s System 2B pipeline right of way.