Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara
By Deborah Nnamdi
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has banned the refilling of gas cylinders at residential areas under the council’s jurisdiction.
Recall that 18 persons, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple were burnt during a gas explosion at the Oroazi axis of the local government on Sunday evening.
The Obio/Akpor LG Chairman, Ihunwo ordered the ban when he visited the scene of the explosion as well as some victims at Sonabel Hospital in Oroazi on Monday.
This was contained in a statement by the media aide to the LG Chairman, Ofonime Okon, and made available to newsmen on Monday.Ihunwo, who broke down in tears on seeing the victims of the explosion described it as sad and condoled with the victims.
Speaking to newsmen, he described the gas explosion as not only pathetic but unfortunate and offered to foot the bills of the victims.
He stated, “It’s quite unfortunate that this is happening this early in the new year; I am saddened because of the number of persons affected. I was briefed about this incident, and that is why I am here to sympathize with those who lost their loved ones.
“As a local government, we are going to foot the bills of those who are injured and receiving treatment at the hospital; as a responsive administration, we cannot allow our people to suffer this alone; we share in their pains.
“Let me also announce here and now that henceforth, no one is permitted to run a gas refilling business in residential areas within Obio/Akpor and to ensure that we put lawbreakers to check.
“I will be putting in place a special committee with the mandate to move into the various streets and roads to enforce compliance.
“I also enjoin Community Development Committee chairmen and youth leaders in the various communities to join this campaign so we can save lives and property of our people, anyone caught defying this ban will be arrested and made to face the law,” Ihunwo stated
