By Hamilton Nwosa(Head, The New Diplomat Polling, Research & Data desk)
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has commiserated with victims of the recent gas explosion in Delta State, stressing that it is important for operators in the downstream sector of the Oil and Gas industry to always adhere to industry safety protocols.
The explosion which occurred in Agbor, the headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of the state, reportedly left some persons dead while others were severely injured.
In commiserating with the victims, the Deputy President of the Senate cautioned downstream operators in the oil and gas industry to always ensure strict adherence to safety rules and regulations in order to avoid these unfortunate incidents that lead to loss of lives and property.
While grieving with families of those who lost their loved ones in the disastrous incident, DSP Omo-Agege who also chairs the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution decried the incessant cases of pipeline, tanker and gas explosions across the country.
While canvassing strict enforcement of safety measures and regulations to halt ugly trends of this nature, Omo-Agege urged all to be vigilant and adhere strictly to safety measures to avert future fire disasters.
Omo-Agege, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, maintained thus : “I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those that lost their loved ones in the gas explosion in Agbor, Delta State and pray that God grant their souls eternal rest. This is one explosion too many.
“I call on government at the federal and state levels to take stiffer measures against operators of gas plants and/or any combustible items in the state to avoid future recurrence of such disaster.”
Recall that a gas explosion had occurred in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South LGA, Delta state on Friday night.
Delta state government confirmed four persons including three children and a woman died from the incident while no fewer than 11 have been hospitalised at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on account of the explosion.
In response to public outcry against siting of gas plants in residential areas as a safety protocol to guide against disastrous incidents of this nature, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said he would liaise with the State House of Assembly to come up with a law regulating such investment.
