Metro
Gas Explosion Injures 30, Destroys 23 Buildings, Event Centre, Vehicles in Lagos
30 persons were injured and about 15 vehicles reportedly destroyed by fire on Thursday after a tanker conveying gas exploded at Balogun Bus stop, in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos State, .
PUNCH Metro learnt that two gas tankers were being offloaded at a gas station in the area when one of the tankers, a 30 tonnes LPG tanker, exploded around 3pm.
It was gathered that the discharging valve of the tanker, which was compromised, led to leakage and ignited fire.
The fire, which spread to adjoining buildings, affected 23 buildings and 35 shops, destroying property worth millions of naira.
Our correspondent learnt that officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Red Cross were at the scene of the incident.
The Head of Public Affairs of LASEMA, Nosa Okunbor, said no life was lost.
He said, “It was discovered that a 30 tonnes LPG tanker being operated by Manna Gas Ltd was involved in an explosion which destroyed several vehicles, X and Y Event Centre and a plank market.
“It was discovered that a compromised seal device by the truck driver led to gradual leakage, which then ignited when the tyres burst. The impact of the explosion led to fire at adjoining buildings and several vehicles were burnt.
“Thirty people were found to have serious injuries and were taken to various hospitals, while two in critical conditions were referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.”
However, the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, said 15 people were injured.
He said, “One of the gas tankers wanted to enter into Manna Gas Refiling Plant and before it could get access inside, it exploded and affected the second gas tanker and other domestic gas cylinders in the gas plant also exploded.
“The explosion affected 18 buildings housing 35 shops; no residential building was affected.
“Fifteen people had various degrees of injury and were taken to Iju Waterworks Clinic, while two were referred to the general hospital; 16 vehicles were burnt.”
The Acting Head of the State Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the Ajuwon, Agege and Alausa Fire stations were mobilised to the scene.
The Punch
Gunmen, on Monday, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killed seven persons.
Reports said that out of the seven persons killed, two are unarmed civilians who were in a compound planning a burial scheduled for January 2, while the others were security operatives.
A viral video being circulated on social media showed two bodies of the victims, said to be members of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG).
The Police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered immediate manhunt of the assailants.
He said the incident happened at about 11.20am, adding that the attack resulted in the death of seven persons, two of them unarmed passers-by.
He said: “The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims, who is currently responding to treatment at a hospital.
“The CP, while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene, interviewed some eye witnesses of the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations were going on for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd of January, 2025.
“Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two security operatives at a security Observation Post close to the Local Government Headquarters by the Express Road.”
Ikenga said the CP has extended his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, especially the good people of Ihiala over the tragic incident.
He further assured that the perpetrators would be hunted down.
Some officers attached to the Ogun State Police Command have been arrested for allegedly demanding money from the family of a missing girl before taking action on the case.
The Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a post on X on Saturday.
Adejobi stated that they were being detained pending disciplinary action.
His post partly read: “Otta missing girl: The policemen who demanded money before they could attend to the case have been arrested and are now in detention for disciplinary action.
Adejobi further reaffirmed the command’s commitment to locating the missing girl, assuring the public that she would be found soon.
“The Ogun State Police Command has been on the case. The girl will be found as soon as possible. We also urge the family of the victim to cooperate with the police,” he added.
Adejobi had earlier warned officers against using the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s name to perpetuate fraud, advising the public to report such cases.
The Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has addressed concerns about a recent military airstrike in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, clarifying that the operation targeted terrorist elements, not civilian structures.
Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, said all operations of the Task Force were guided by extensive intelligence and reconnaissance efforts.
He said these measures were designed to ensure precision and protect civilian lives, especially in actions against groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization.
The Task Force called on the public to rely on verified information to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.
Abdullahi cautioned against disinformation campaigns by terrorist groups, which aim to discredit military successes and sow doubt in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
According to the military, the areas targeted near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the strikes.
The Joint Task Force, therefore, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding civilians while pursuing decisive action against threats to national security.
