by Adelaja Taiwo
Published on: Feb 4, 2003
Topic:
Type: Opinions

There was an explosion that occurred at the Idimagbo area of Lagos Island in the early hour of Sunday, February 2nd, 2003. Four building were seriously damaged leading to the lost of about 30 people and several injured.

This is coming barely a week after the first year anniversary of the Ikeja Cantonment bombing in which over 1000 people lost their lives as a result of panic and fear generated by the continuous explosions and fires that took place. Many people were forced into a near-by canal leading to their eventual death.

The responses of the government have been encouraging in providing aid to people involved in this unfortunate incident. The prompt response of the Red Cross Organization in Nigeria and all the agencies of the Lagos state government have been encouraging. The Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo, have since visited the scene of the incident.

There is a probe panel already set-up to look into the actual cause of the incident. They speculate that the cause of the explosion may be the result of a stored chemical in one of the buildings involved because of the magnitude of the damage.

I believe the importance of adhering to safety regulations in all aspects of storing large amounts of chemicals and highly inflammable substances in areas highly populated by people. They should be seriously looked into by the government to prevent repeated occurrence of this kind of incident.

The setting up of a Rapid Rescue Team, properly trained and equipped to deal with all aspects of human disaster should be considered by the government. The Federal and State House of representatives should consider reviewing and updating the laws and regulations concerning Health, Safety and the Environment in Nigeria. I will also suggest that the Lagos State government should make it a priority to set up an arm of government to monitor and enforce these rules for all aspects of human activities.

I hope all people and organizations found to be responsible in any way to this incident by the probe panel should be prosecuted as a deterrent others.

I hereby use this opportunity to send my condolences to those who have lost friends and family in this incident. May God grant them peace in their heart and replace their lost in a wonderful way. Amen!!!!!!


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