The Young Citizens of Nigeria (YCN ) has called on Federal Government
to allow thorough investigation into the explosion that wreak havoc at
Abule-Ado area of Lagos.
YCN also applauded the speedy intervention of the National Emergency
Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross Nigeria and other humanitarian
services on ground to ensure that those trapped were freed.
The pressure group noted that although tragedies cannot be totally
eradicated from big cities like Lagos, timely interventions can minimise
casualty.
The group also thanked God for the life of 3-year-old baby girl,
identified as Favour who was rescued alive on Sunday from the rubbles of
one of the collapsed building at the Abule ado explosion.
Reacting to an earlier report credited to the Federal Government that
the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would investigate the
explosion, YCN in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of
Media and Publicity, Augustine Nwaobi and signed by Chairman, Comrade
Ekene Okonkwo, re-emphasised the need for proactive routine checks on
pipeline installations across the country as a remedial to avoidable
loss of lives and properties.
It urged the FG to stay on the side of humanity by not limiting
investigation into a disaster of monumental loss to the NNPC thereby
stopping security agencies from doing their statutory jobs.
The statement reads: “The loss of seventeen lives many of whom were
school children is saddening. It is more disturbing to know the since
the ugly incidence happened on Sunday morning, there is yet to be any
concrete report regarding the true cause of the explosion.
“According to security and emergency services the explosion was as a
result of pressure on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
pipeline. But the NNPC had debunked that saying that the explosion was
as a result of a truck hitting some gas cylinders stacked in a gas
processing plant located near the corporation’s system 2B Pipeline Right
of Way which resulted in the explosion.
“Considering the fact tha the explosion claimed 17 lives including that
of the Principal, Bethlehem Catholic School who died while rescuing
trapped students.
“And that of father, mother, 2 sons who died while going to church. 36
students, 19 adults were admitted at Navy Hospital with over 200
persons displaced, 50 houses destroyed.
” This explosion should be well investigated in order to properly know
its root cause. An incident of such tragic magnitude should be well
examination without any form of bias.
“Let’s use this opportunity to remind the Federal Government that some
Nigerians suspect there is more to it than meets the eye and they
believe that the Catholic school which was blown out of the sky
alongside other homes, buildings and propeties were purposely
targetted.
“Another reason to properly investigate this tragedy is that just a few
weeks ago the Chief of Army Staff told Nigerians that Boko Haram is in
Lagos and a school of thought thinks that the explosion is an evidence
that needed to establish the Army Chief’s claim.
“We therefore call on the government to expedite investigation so as to
remedy the notion that it’s covering up the truth. Let truth surface and
justice served on those behind this wicked and heinous act.
“We want to appreciate the timely efforts of the National Emergency
Management Agency, NEMA, the Red Cross Nigeria and other humanitarian
services on ground to ensure that the level of casualty were minimised.
“We thank God for the lives rescued expecially that of 3-year-old baby
girl, identified as Favour who was rescued alive on Sunday from the
rubbles. Also we appreciate the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide
Sanwo-Olu for setting up a N2 billion relief fund to alleviate losses
suffered by victims.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Lagos state at this
difficult time even as we pray for the souls of all those that were
killed in this explosion”.