In a proactive move aimed at averting potential hazards, residents of General Gas to Iyana Church area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, have appealed to the government to address the looming danger posed by the indiscriminate citing of gas fan tanks, petrol stations, and gas stations along their corridor.
They expressed concerns about the potential ‘impending disaster’ resulting from the indiscriminate establishment of gas stations and petrol stations in the area.
The concerns were heightened following the unfortunate incident in Bodija last Tuesday during a press conference held yesterday at Rolat event center, Kolapo Ishola GRA, Ibadan.
The Chairman of Kolapo Ishola GRA, Olalekan Thanli, said the recent incident in Bodija served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers we face in their community.
“We cannot afford to overlook the risks associated with the current placement of gas and fuel facilities in such close proximity to our homes, schools, and churches.”
The Vice Chairman of Carlton Gate Resident Association who read out a communique issued at the end of the meeting, emphasized the urgent need to address the imminent danger potential and prevent a more devastating impact.
According to him, within a distance of less than 1km, numerous gas plants and fuel facilities were identified in close proximity to schools, churches, and residential communities, raising concerns of a ticking time bomb.
“We are not here just to voice our concerns but to call for immediate action. The gas tank firm, in particular, is positioned in a way that poses a direct threat to the safety of our community, especially Valeria School and the adjacent residential areas.”
Expressing their apprehension, the residents called for a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the approval granted to the gas plant firm and fuel stations within their corridor.
“The government needs to intervene urgently. We cannot afford to wait for a disaster to strike before taking action. The potential for a catastrophic explosion is real, and we implore the relevant authorities to relocate the gas tank firm to ensure the safety of our community.”
The community however urged the government to review the violations of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) guidelines and regulatory approvals in the establishment of fuel and gas facilities within the residential communities and public places to prevent a recurrence of tragic events like the recent incident in Bodija.
