The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has confirmed the death of four persons in kerosene explosions.
It said 16 people were injured.
The Chairman, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, told reporters in Uyo the figures were got from casualties brought to University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
He said: “At least four have died. I mean I can confirm that four people have died.”
Uwah decried the rate at which people died in explosions caused by adulterated kerosene.
“It is sad people will just die for no reason. These are avoidable deaths.’’
The chairman urged government agencies to curb explosion by ensuring adulterated kerosene is not sold.
Said he: “Marketers should be monitored. Agencies responsible for petroleum products’ monitoring should be proactive.’’
Uwah attributed the incident to high cost of kerosene.
He urged the Federal Government to intervene.
His words: “Kerosene is scarce and costly. As people can’t afford the high cost, they resort to buying from unauthorised sources.
“People are exploiting scarcity to adulterate kerosene, selling it to the public.’’
The chairman said NMA had started advocacy visits and public enlightenment campaigns on how to identify adulterated kerosene.
“We’ve produced jingles to create awareness,’’ he said.
Uwah advised the media to assist the association in its advocacy and campaign against adulterated kerosene.