Ibadan Residents Are Saying Something To Avert Another Explosion
By Adewale Owoade
Some residents within Kolapo Ishola Estate, General Gas to Iyana-Church, in Ibadan have called on the concerned stakeholders, most especially the government of Oyo state, to look into indiscriminate establishment of gas stations and petrol stations in the area.
They expressed concerns about the potential ‘impending disaster’ while speaking with newsmen after the meeting of landlords in the area.
The chairman, Kolapo Ishola GRA, Olalekan Thanni and vice chairman of Carlton Gate Residents Association, Otunba Jimi Bolusere described the issue as a time bomb waiting to explode if not curtailed.
They said the Bodija incident has become an eye opener for them, saying they are acting on Governor Seyi Makinde’s advice which says ‘if you see something, say something’.
They stated that the significant risk posed by the indiscriminate placement of gas and petrol stations is considerable, given their proximity to schools, churches, and residential areas within the estate.
The residents emphasised the necessity of government intervention to prevent a recurrence of the tragic event that occurred in Bodija Estate last Tuesday night, where an explosion led to the loss of lives and properties.
They said: “After an extensive debate of imminent danger particularly in reference to an unfortunate incident that occurred last Tuesday at Bodija, we are seeing something, we are now saying something, and we expect the authority to do something.”
Meanwhile, a communique issued at the end of the meeting stated that “In the likes of a recent event that took lives and properties of Bodija residence, we have decided to highlight an impending danger with potential more devastating impact if not urgently addressed.
“Within a distance of less than one kilometre, we have numerous gas plants and fuel stations domicile proximity to schools, churches, and residential communities, this is a time bomb.
“Specifically, we have a gas tank farm which is less than five kilometres from Valencia School and opposite Mercy Land fuel station, this gas tank farm has a mechanic village close by where welding activities can ignite devastating explosions.
“After our meeting, we have reached the following decisions, we request for review of approval given to the gas plants, gas farm, and fuel stations within our corridor.
“We specifically call on the government to address the gas tank farm operated by Gasland close to Valencia School, various Churches, and numerous residential communities along the corridor.
“We urged the government to review the violation of DPR guidelines and regulatory approvals in establishments of the fuel and gas facilities within residential communities.
“Residents will continue to review the safety and security landscape of communities along the corridor to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of residence.
“It is imperative that within the shortest possible time, the gas tank farm should be relocated out of our community as it possed potential future explosion.”
