In the wake of a devastating gas explosion in the Oroazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, the LGA chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, has announced an immediate ban on gas refilling businesses within residential areas.
The ban, aimed at curbing future occurrences, prohibits anyone from operating a gas refilling business in residential areas within the LGA.
Ihunwo said that a special committee will be established to enforce compliance, and CDC chairmen and youth leaders in various communities are expected to join the campaign.
“Let me also announce it here and now that henceforth, no one is permitted to run a gas refilling business in residential areas within Obio/Akpor, and to ensure that we put lawbreakers to check, I will be putting in place a special committee with the mandate to move into the various streets and roads to enforce compliance,” he said.
“I also enjoin CDC chairmen and youth leaders in the various communities to join this campaign so we can save lives and property of our people. Anyone caught defying this ban will be arrested and made to face the law.”
He announced that the local government would take over the medical bills of the victims.
He also released N3 million to the hospital for the treatment of the affected persons.
During a visit to the scene of the gas explosion and some victims at the hospital, Ihunwo expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
He described the gas explosion as “pathetic” and “unfortunate,” and broke down in tears while speaking to journalists.
“It’s quite unfortunate that this is happening this early in the new year. I am saddened because of the number of persons affected. I was briefed about this incident, and that is why I am here to sympathise with those who lost their loved ones.
“As a local government, we are going to foot the bills of those who are injured and receiving treatment at the hospital. As a responsive administration, we cannot allow our people to suffer this alone. We share in their pains,” he said.
He described the ban on gas refilling businesses in residential areas as a proactive measure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, there is no report of any casualties as the victims are still receiving treatment.(Guardian)
