The Nation Newspaper

Tag: explosion

  • Explosion in Rivers

    The deaths of more than 10 people in Komkom community in Oyibo Local Government Area of Rivers State helps in possibly affirming the line of thought that crude oil is more of a curse than blessing to Nigeria. Besides the over-dependence on oil and the abandonment of some hitherto sources of revenue, the economic, political and social effects of a poorly run oil industry has been so evident in the socio-economic situation of the country in the past decades.

    This recent explosion was just one in a list of many. The popular Jesse explosion on October 18, 1998, killed more than 1,000 Nigerians and many are still dying of the effects. The fire following the pipeline explosion burnt for more than a week. On May 15, 2008, another pipeline explosion happened in Ijegun-Egba in Lagos State. Dozens of lives and properties were lost.

    In October 2018, there was another explosion at the Aba depot of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC). In March, this year, there was an explosion in Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State in which more than 50 people allegedly died. The facility belonged to the Aiteo Group that carries oil to the Bonny export terminal.

    In addition to the recorded pipeline explosions, thousands of lives have been lost and properties running into billions also lost due to random fuel tanker explosions on the highways and even inside residential communities. However, in all these tragic human and material losses, there seems to be no definite policy direction to stem these national tragedies.

    Nigeria is the ninth largest producer of oil. However, today, the country is the poverty capital of the world due to a myriad of decades of mismanagement of not just the oil sector but a somewhat dysfunctional system where accountability is not taken seriously and there seems to be no strict adherence to the laws of the land.

    The Jesse tragedy raised so many questions that have remained unanswered and unresolved despite the heavy casualties. Post-tragedy reports were not conclusive about the causative factors. There were allegations that scavengers ruptured the pipelines that were already rusty due to  lack of maintenance, and the explosion was therefore a tragedy waiting to happen. That NNPC had to invite a United States fire-fighting company to help extinguish the fire is telling.

    While we believe that accidents are facts of life, we also believe that successive governments in Nigeria have not taken good care of the processes of production and distribution of oil products. There are ways other oil-producing countries operate that we are neglecting. Safety is seemingly not a priority for the government and operators, which accounts for all the varied tales that trail most explosions. The role of government must be beyond taking the dollars from oil sales. The thousands that died in all those explosions were not shown the state protection and compensations they deserved.

    In a country without a valid census, the numbers of the dead are always debatable as efforts are made to tone down the figures. There has hardly been a conclusive prosecution of those whose negligence caused the deaths.

    The many cases of deaths in these explosions are often beyond the control of the victims as many were often in their houses or just passing by. In other instances where some died scooping fuel from broken pipelines, it was usually out of poverty and ignorance. Even when they know the dangers, the cascading impunity from those in authority often infects the grassroots. The lack of effective government actions in alleviating poverty often makes the people see such loose chances of scooping fuel as their chance to take their own share of the national wealth.

    The environmental and economic degradation caused by the oil industry and affiliate companies must be addressed urgently by the government.  The victims of oil pipeline and tanker explosions are citizens whose contributions to development will outlive the use of oil.

    We recommend a total overhaul of the oil industry operations to match global best practices that will give lives the requisite value that spurs patriotism and economic productivity. Merely ordering a probe cannot be enough; this is a road well-traveled.

  • Rivers building collapse: Architect alleges explosion before structure came down

    The architect who designed the seven-storey building which collapsed in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt last month, Binafiagaa Timiabi Reuben has alleged that explosive sound rocked the structure before it came down.

    He disclosed this yesterday when he appeared before a seven-man judicial panel of inquiry set up by Governor Nyesom Wike to investigate and ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the collapsed structure.

    The supposed five-star  hotel structure under construction collapsed November 23, evening shortly after the casting of the sixth floor was completed, killing 17 workers with many still suspected to be trapped.

    However, a total of 31 of the workers were rescued alive while 17 dead bodies were recovered.

    The architect who is one of the survivors, while answering questions from the members of the panel chaired by a State High Court Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli suspected that the loud explosion which followed the collapse could be the major cause of the building fall.

    He said, “I was on site that fateful day. Work just closed for the day and almost immediately my client, Sir Joseph Alagoa’s motorcade drove into the site. We heard a loud explosion, before the building came down.

    “The explosion we heard on site that day could have possibly razed down the entire building. I informed the Police about the loud bang we heard that day on the 25th of November, 2018 and they sent a team to the area to investigate.”

    Reuben in his response to questions posed to him was of the impression that the building collapse was not caused by the design stressing that he was often at the site to give clarification of the drawing to the builders whenever he was called upon.

    He explained that though he designed the building’s architectural drawing, he was supervised by a chartered architect, who sealed the design.

    “I did the design of the building plan but was superintended by a chartered architect, Joseph Yoasou, who sealed the design, because a design cannot be sealed except by a chartered architect,” he said.

    Also interrogated was the Director, Architectural Services in Bayelsa State who is a Chartered Architect, Joseph Yoasou and actual designer of the collapsed building. He confirmed the drawing but denied any further involvement with the contraction proper.

    According to him, “I prepared the architectural drawing of the collapsed building but neither me nor my representative or agent participated in the construction. My involvement in the entire construction of the building was only for architectural design, any modifications made on the drawing, I don’t know about them.”

     

  • Explosion rocks Umuahia Catholic Church

    An explosion on Tuesday rocked the Diocesan Headquarters of Umuahia Catholic Archdiocese, popularly Mater Dei Catholic Church on Azikiwe road in Umuahia, the Abia capital.

    It was gathered the explosion, which occurred in the church premises at about 2:45pm, caused pandemonium in the area as residents who were taken by surprise scampered for safety.

    Sources within the cathedral revealed the explosion was caused by an old abandoned petrol tank, which had been buried and long forgotten.

    The church gardener, after his routine cleanup was said to have unknowingly set fire on heap of refuse collected while cleaning the compound directly where the tank was buried

    The heat from the fire was said to have triggered the explosion, which affected roofs of houses around the cathedral.

    No life was said to however been affected during the incident.

    Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, told our correspondent exclusively that personnel of the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) of the State Command have been moved to the scene of the incident.

    He said in a telephone conversation: “A cleaner in the church, after sweeping the compound set fire on the debris and the debris spread to a disused underground fuel tank and exploded, bringing down part of a nearby fence and shattering a vehicle parked in the next compound.

    “As I speak to you, the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) of the Police; the Bomb Disposal Unit has been moved to the place to make all assurance that there is nothing much more than the facts that we know now.

    “By tomorrow, when they come out with their scientific report, I will also update members of the public.”

     

  • ‘Explosion’ rocks Enugu church

    There was panic yesterday in Enugu as a bomb explosion rocked Holy Cross Catholic parish at Iji-Nike in Enugu-East Local Government Area.

    The explosion was said to have occurred in the morning when worshippers were gathering for the Sunday mass.

    The parish priest, Rev. Emmanuel Okwor, told reporters the explosion occurred about 5:40 am when he was preparing for the 6 am mass.

    The cleric said the sound shook the church while neighbours were thrown into confusion and those in the church scampered for safety.

    The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese described the incident as worrisome and called for vigilance.

    He said although the explosion was minor – as police described it – it would have caused stampede if it had exploded at the time worshippers had filled church.

    The cleric urged those behind the act to desist.

    Bishop Onaga urged government and security agencies to do something fast before it gets out of hand.

    Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), who confirmed the explosion on phone, described it as a minor blast that should not cause panic.

    He added: “We thank God that there was no loss of life or major destruction. We have to be more vigilant and security-conscious as well as partner security agencies to ensure that there is no repeat of such an incident.”

    Amaraizu said the police had begun investigation into the incident.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Explosion at Ohanaeze president’s home

    An explosion yesterday rocked the Enugu home of Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Chief John Nwodo.

    It destroyed windows, an air conditioning unit and the ceiling of one of the houses in the compound. But no life was lost.

    Nwodo said the incident would not deter him from continuing to serve his people.

    It was observed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was hurled over the fence into the compound.

    Nwodo’s media aide Emeka Attamah said the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Mohammed, accompanied by the Area Commander for Nsukka Police Command and the Divisional Police Officer for Igbo Etiti LGA, came to inspect the house.

    The police chief enjoined the public to always be vigilant and report strange faces to security operatives.

    He described the state as peaceful, wondering why some miscreants would be after Chief Nwodo’s life.

    What happened, he said, was a sign for the need for greater security around Nwodo.

    The commissioner ordered that security be beefed up in  Nwodo’s compound and promised that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

    The Commander of the Bomb Disposal Unit, John Aniche, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the items recovered from the scene included batteries, pellets and other materials used in preparing the IED.

    Nwodo expressed surprise that some people could be after his life.

    The incident, he said,  would not deter him from leading his people.

    Enugu State Police Commissioner, Danmallam with Nwodo and the traditional ruler

    The traditional ruler of Umudele in Ukehe, Igwe Lawrence Aroh, thanked God for saving Nwodo.

    Igwe Aroh wondered why some people would constitute danger to others.

    He assured the commissioner that the people would be extra vigilant, adding that any such attempt in the future would be nipped in the bud.

    Enugu State Director of Department of State Security (DSS), Mrs E A Likiyon was also at the scene.

    Deputy Senate President Chief Ike Ekweremadu has condemned the bombing,  describing it as a `dastardly act’.

    Ekweremadu, in a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, said it was “certainly ugly, evil and outrageous.”

    “This is quite an unusual development in the Southeast and we will not accept it.

    “I call on the security agencies to get to the root of this devilish act and ensure that the culprits are brought to book immediately,’’ he said.

     

     

  • DANJUMA: The dust after the explosion

    LT-GEN. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd) is arguably one of Nigeria’s most influential citizens. Only a few Generals command the kind of national attention that is accorded to him. Whether in government, religious or business circles, when he talks, people listen and take him seriously. Since the counter-coup of July 1966, Danjuma, 80, has been a participant and a key player in major decisions that have affected the country. Though he retired from the military close to 40 years ago, he still commands a lot of respect. In a country where money and power are well sought-after attributes, the retired military General and oil magnate cannot be easily ignored.

    He has an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion as of 2015, according to Forbes. That is why his recent admonition that Nigerians should defend themselves against the killer herdsmen, rather than depending on the armed forces, generated controversy. Danjuma, who made the declaration during the 10th anniversary of the Taraba State University, Jalingo, said the bandits were doing everything possible to destroy the beautiful cultures of his state, Taraba, which he described as a miniature Nigeria. His words: “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people. If you depend on the armed forces for protection, you will all die one by one. The ethnic cleansing must stop now. Otherwise, Somalia will be a child’s play.

    I ask every one of you to be on the alert and defend your country; defend your territory; defend your state, because you have nowhere else to go. The armed forces are not neutral. They are conniving with the armed bandits that are killing people.” In what appeared like reprisal attacks, the state had witnessed clashes between herdsmen and farmers, which resulted in the death of many indigenes. The herdsmen had alleged that about 800 of them were killed on the Mambilla Plateau, a charge the Taraba State government denied. The Middle Belt states of Plateau, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa have also witnessed similar attacks by bandits identified as Fulani herdsmen. So far, mixed reactions have greeted the 80-year old Danjuma’s utterances.

    In its response, the military described the utterances as an unfortunate statement coming from a highly distinguished statesman. The army Public Relations Director, Texas Chukwu, said the military has embarked on demilitarization of the Northcentral and that anyone caught in possession of arms would be dealt with. In view of this, the army warned Nigerians not to listen to the advice of the statesman, adding that it is the responsibility of the military to protect the citizenry. Elder statesman and Second Republic politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, flayed the retired General for venting his frustration in the media, instead of adopting a reconciliatory approach. His words: “Danjuma has just celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary. In my own thinking, anybody that reaches the 80th birthday and above should not speak in the manner he did; that language does not belong to him. An 80 or more-year old person is supposed to imbibe the idea of reconciliation, rather than inciting one group against the other. “Since it is not a matter between two individuals, but one group against another, telling one group to defend itself amounts to killing their opponents.

    Eventually this will lead to anarchy, because the other group is not likely to fold its arms and watch. At the end of the day, it will not solve any problem. So, I will advise him, as his senior in age, to be a gentleman. I know he is a military man, but even among military men, there are gentlemen. “The other point he made is that the military has been aiding the herdsmen attacks. Even if that is the case, he should have handled the matter differently. Given his status as a one-time Chief of Army Staff, former member of the military ruling council and former Minister of Defence, he has a privileged position; he has access to the entire military hierarchy. He can summon all the people in leadership positions in the armed forces today and they would listen to him. “He should have collected all the evidence that the military is backing one group against another and present it to the military authorities. If he had done that, I believe they would have taken action. He is not an ordinary person like you and me, who would vent his frustration in the media. He has access to Buhari and all the military hierarchy in Nigeria.

    Rather he went public with his accusation that the military is aiding herdsmen attacks without adducing any concrete evidence to support it. It is in bad taste for him to vent his frustration in the media.” Some observers have, however, advised the government not to dismiss the allegation that the recent killings in the country are ethnic cleansing. Rather, such observers advised the government to take his words with seriousness, by investigating it to determine its veracity or otherwise. This is particularly because the statement has been corroborated by Danjuma’s kinsmen. A lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, Dr. Godwin Dappa, believes Danjuma’s statement is coming at the right time, considering the unfolding events in the state. He said: “You need to experience what is happening in Taraba State for you to understand; human beings are being slaughtered as if they are cows.

    It has come to a stage where individuals and groups would be required to protect themselves from such attacks. The Middle Belt axis has become a terror zone and people living there are no longer finding it easy to go about their businesses, especially non-Moslems. “It is now a trend in the Middle Belt area. People don’t sleep at night; we sleep with one eye closed and the other eye open. Before you know it, there is an attack somewhere; people are killed without any provocation or justification. People who have been living together peacefully have suddenly become enemies. “It is difficult to comprehend the motivation behind it, particularly now that we have started to notice some steadiness in our democracy. Sustaining our democracy is not just about uninterrupted civil rule; it also goes hand-in-hand with the protection of lives and properties of citizens.” Dappa said the statement should not be seen as an attempt to incite a group of people against another.

    “It is a wakeup call, to alert every Nigerian, not only the people of Taraba State and the Middle Belt in general, but every Nigerian, to repulse any attack, whether from herdsmen, kidnappers, Boko Haram or Niger Delta militants,” he said. On the justification for self-defence, when the military is already on ground to protect citizens, the lecturer said: “Let me tell you that the military takes order from above. The military appears to be backing the herdsmen; that is why when you arrest one of them today, the next day he will be released with order from above. I have a lot of military personnel as students in my class and I constantly speak to them about this matter. I often ask them why the herdsmen are released two or three hours after being arrested and the answer is usually, Prof. it’s order from above. “That is why many of us living and working in Taraba are no longer comfortable with the deteriorating security situation.” Dappa said the bone of contention is the dominance of who owns the land. He said: “The Christians in the Northeast states of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba are minorities in the region. What is happening now could be compared to what happened during the defunct Ottoman Empire, when there were constant invasions of territories occupied by so-called unbelievers. “So, do not be surprised that TY Danjuma made the statements that were attributed to him recently; he probably knows what he is talking about. He is an elder statesman.

    He is also a former Chief of Army Staff and a former Minister of Defence; therefore he is an expert in security.” At a training programme in The Nation’s premises on Wednesday, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), said Danjuma cannot be accused of inciting Nigerians to violence, because he was only alluding to a section of the 1999 Constitution, which allows a citizen to defend himself in the face of unlawful violence, particularly if government is unable to protect such person. Quoting Section 33 (2) of the Constitution, he said: “A person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of this section, if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary – (a) for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property; (b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or (c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.” The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), also backed the advice by the former Minister of Defence and an elder statesman, that Nigerians should defend themselves against killer herdsmen.

    Sagay told The Nation that the law allows Nigerians to defend themselves from being massacred. He, however, urged the Federal Government to investigate Danjuma’s allegations. He added: “General Danjuma did not say that the military is incapable. But he accused them of bias and not protecting the people deliberately. That’s a very, very serious accusation. “And this is coming from such a senior man in Nigeria’s military – probably apart from former General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Yakubu Gowon, he (Dajuma) is the most senior former military officer we have – and he’s a man who has tremendous influence. He has held important positions – Chief of Staff, Minister of Defence – so, he won’t speak lightly. So, his allegation needs to be investigated. “If there are elements within the military doing this, then the government has to take immediate steps to deal with them and put people who are responsible and patriotic in the positions.”

    On whether it would lead to anarchy, he said: “It’s not an illegal measure for Nigerians to defend themselves. If you look at our criminal law, there is the principle of self-defence. If someone attacks you and you feel endangered, and you defend yourself, and in the process you kill the person, the fact that you were defending yourself is a complete defence to any charge. The right already exists. “So, I think what General Danjuma is saying is that instead of each individual exercising that right, they should begin to exercise it collectively in their communities. I think that’s reasonable too. There is breakdown of law and order if you’re in your house and someone comes and kills you. I think there will be less danger of breakdown of law and order if that person knows that the next time he comes to your house, all your neighbours would gather and stop him. So, I think it’s worse for people to lie down complacently doing nothing while they’re being massacred.”

  • Three feared dead in gas explosion

    Three persons have been feared dead in a gas explosion, which occurred yesterday at an IDDS gas plant on Ugbo Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City.

    Two were injured and are hospitalised.

    Sources said the explosion was caused by a leak in one of the pipes. The plant was shut last night.

    An eyewitness said the injured were taken to hospital.

    He refused to speak further, snapping: “The owner is not around.”

     

  • Thousands stranded, as fuel tanker explodes in Kaduna

    Thousands of passengers either coming from or going to Abuja are stranded as a result of an explosion and fire at Tafa along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

    It was gathered that the explosion occurred after a tanker loaded with petroleum products avoided collision on the highway with a commercial Golf car, skidded off the highway and exploded.

    The number of casualties from the accident is not yet certain, but many are feared dead from inhaling the smoke, burnt by the fire, or as a result of the explosion.

    The spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yushau Shuaib, said a place of worship was burnt, but insisted that no life was lost.

    It was gathered that several houses were burnt in the area, but NEMA explained that quick intervention that saw to evacuation of the residents ensured many lives were saved.

    The ever busy Kaduna-Abuja highway links the Federal Capital Territory with the North West and  North East, with thousands of vehicles plying it everyday.

    It also links the  North with the South through Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

    Bad portions of the road cannot be ruled out as a cause of the accident on this very important Federal Road, as the road which was rehabilitated earlier this year has gone bad few months after

  • Police investigate explosion in Enugu market

    Police investigate explosion in Enugu market

    The Police Command in Enugu State has commenced investigation into an alleged heavy explosion that occurred in the former New Artisan Market on the outskirts of Enugu.

    The command’s Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement Tuesday  in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said the explosion took place at the former New Artisan Market, along Enugu-Port Harcourt Road on Monday night.

    He said the command had dispatched its crack team of investigators, mainly from its Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), to the scene of the incident.

    Amaraizu said the EOD team was currently combing the entire area and its environs in order to ensure that it was safe and secure for all.

    He, however, said that no life was lost in the incident. “The command through its operatives has commenced full scale investigation into the alleged incident of explosion at the scrap site of the former New Artisan Market in Enugu.

    “The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained and no life was lost. “However, the incident is alleged to have caused minor destruction in a nearby food shop, including two vehicles parked near the said shop,’’ he said.

    He advised residents of the state and travelers along the road not to panic as “the command is on ground and on top of the situation to unravel the causes of the incident’’.

    “The command is advising the good people of the state, particularly residents of that axis not to entertain fear or panic, but to go about their normal lawful businesses.

    “All hands are on deck, the command is working in partnership with relevant sister security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure Enugu and its environs,’’ he said.

  • Driver dies in explosion on East-West Road

    A petrol tanker has exploded on Mbiama axis of the East-West Road, causing a fire, which killed a taxi driver.

    The Nation learnt five vehicles were burnt in the explosion, which occurred about 5p.m. on Wednesday.

    Investigations showed three of the vehicles were burnt beyond recognition, while two were partially burnt.

    The Bayelsa State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Ikechukwu Igwe, reportedly deployed his officials in the area to ensure free-flow of traffic.

    Sources said the driver lost control of the tanker after discharging fuel in a filling station.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The tanker fell after coming out of the filling station. It did not discharge all the products at that station. The rest spilled on the road.

    “We later heard a bang, resulting in a fire. It caused panic, but FRSC officials brought the situation under control. They were there till about 11p.m. to control traffic.”

    Igwe, who visited the scene yesterday morning, said a taxi driver died. He sympathised with persons whose vehicles were burnt.

    The FRSC boss said instead of fleeing after the tanker fell, the driver opened the bonnet and attempted to disconnect the battery.

    He said in the process, a spark occurred, causing an explosion.

    Igwe said FRSC was arranging to bring a towing truck to remove the tanker, adding that firefighters put out the fire.