Following an explosion that rocked part of Bodija estate on Tuesday, Resident Associations along General Gas to Iyana Church, on Saturday, sought the urgent intervention of Oyo state government and other stakeholders over what they termed as ‘impending danger’ due to indiscriminate sitting of gas and petrol stations in the area.
The residents are seeking government’s intervention to avoid repeat of tragic event that led to loss of lives and properties at Bodija Estate.
Addressing journalists after a meeting of landlords in the area, the Chairman, Kolapo Ishola Residents’ Association, Olalekan Thanni and Vice Chairman, Carlton Gate Residents’ Association, Otunba Jimi Bolusire described the issue as a time bomb waiting to explode, if not curtail.
The duo stated that Bodija incident is an eye opener for them, saying they are acting on Governor Seyi Makinde’s advice which says ‘if you see something, say something’.
“After extensive debate of imminent danger particularly in reference to unfortunate incident that occured last Tuesday at Bodija, we are seeing something, we are now saying something, and we expect the authority to do something.” They said.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting read in full: “In the light of the recent event that took lives and destroyed properties at Bodija on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, we have decided to highlight an impending danger with a potentially more devastating impact if not urgently addressed.
“Within a distance less than 1 km, we have numerous Gas Plants, Gas Tank Farm and Fuel Stations domiciled in very close proximity to Schools, Churches and Residential Communities within the corridor – this constitutes a clear and present danger and a ticking time bomb.
“Specifically, we have a Gas Tank Farm which is less than 5 meters to Valencia School and opposite Mercy Land Fuel Station. This Gas Tank Farm has Gas filled Trucks parked with a Mechanic Village close by where sparks from Welding activities can ignite a devastating explosion accompanied by fireballs.
“Following the meeting held, we have reached the following decisions:
“We specifically call on the Government to address the Gas Tank Farm operated by Gas Land which is near Valencia Schools, various Churches such as Cherubim and Seraphim church, New Covenant church, RCCG and St Luke’s church) and numerous Residential Communities along this corridor.
“Residents would require a review of the Environment Impact Assessment (E.I.A) and approval given to the owners of Gas Plants, Gas Tank Farms and Fuel Stations within our corridor.
“We call on the Oyo State Government to urgently and Regulatory approvals in-order to avoid a repeat of the tragic events at Bodija which led to the loss of lives and properties.
“Residents call on the Government and relevant agencies to review the violation of DPR guidelines and Regulatory approvals in the establishment of Fuel and Gas Facilities within Residential Communities and Public places.
“It is imperative therefore that within the shortest possible time, the Gas Tank Farm be relocated from our communities as it portends potential future explosions.
“Residents will continue to review the safety and security landscape of the Cummunities along General Gas to Iyana Church corridor to guarantee and safeguard the safety of lives and properties.”
