By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
Ewereokonta20@gmail.com
www.ewereokontablog.org.ng
Agbor, Delta State — It was a day of mixed emotions yesterday at the Ika South Local Government Secretariat, as Fire Victims Committee of the tragic January 5th tanker explosion in Agbor submitted their reports to the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior. The occasion was marked by commendations for the committee’s swift and thorough work, tempered by lingering grief over the devastating accident that shook the community to its core.
The tragic incident occurred when a tanker conveying petroleum products lost control near the Mobil Traffic Light Junction in Agbor, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. The blast claimed lives, displaced families, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira, leaving a trail of devastation that touched every corner of the community. The severity of the incident prompted immediate action from community leaders and government representatives. In response, stakeholders, including the member representing Ika Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Victor Nwokolo, and leadership from Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Councils, convened on January 7, 2025, to address the crisis. A committee was subsequently established with the following terms of reference:
- To ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the tanker accident.
- To identify and track victims of the incident.
- To determine the extent of damages to lives and properties.
- To propose solutions to prevent future occurrences.
- To address any additional duties arising during the assignment.
Committee Membership and Efforts
The committee, chaired by Bishop Godfrey Ekpenisi, included prominent community members such as Bishop Festus Udume, Dr. Shedrack Omumu, Mr. Vincent Arimokwu, Mr. Ewere Okonta, and Mr. Williams Eghebi as secretary.These individuals brought their collective expertise and compassion to bear on their task, conducting an exhaustive investigation into the incident. Over weeks of rigorous deliberations and consultations with affected individuals and stakeholders, the committee gathered detailed accounts of the accident and its impact.
Their findings revealed the need for comprehensive interventions. Among the committee’s recommendations were the following:
- Identifying the owners of the vehicle and the driver to pursue insurance coverage for the victims. This step, they noted, was crucial to providing some financial relief to those affected.
- Providing financial and material support to businesses and families that suffered losses, ensuring they could rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
- Offering assistance to individuals who sustained injuries, as well as those whose vehicles and motorcycles were destroyed in the fire.
- Undertaking a complete reconstruction of the damaged section of the road from the traffic light junction to the Orogodo River, including the rebuilding of culverts compromised by the intense heat of the explosion.
- Restoring electricity supply to the affected area, which had been cut off following the incident, causing additional hardship to residents and businesses.
Emotional Submission of Reports
At the submission of the committee’s report, Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior expressed deep gratitude to the committee for its exemplary efforts. He described its members as trustworthy and patriotic individuals who had demonstrated a profound commitment to the welfare of their community. “The committee has made Ika Nation proud,” he stated, adding that their work had set a standard for diligence and efficiency. He commended the group for their thorough investigation and the actionable recommendations they presented.
Hon. Ehiwarior announced an additional mandate for the committee: sourcing funds from all tiers of government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to assist the victims of the fire incident. This second phase of their work, he noted, was critical to ensuring that the victims receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and businesses. “The community must rally together to overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger,” he said, urging all stakeholders to contribute to the recovery efforts.
Committee’s Renewed Commitment
In his response, Bishop Ekpenisi, the committee chairman, accepted the new responsibilities on behalf of the committee. He assured the council and the public that the committee would work tirelessly to deliver on its expanded mandate. “We remain committed to providing relief and support to all those affected by this tragedy,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in overcoming the challenges posed by the incident. “Together, we can ensure that the victims receive the help they need and that steps are taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Looking Ahead
The Agbor fire incident remains a painful reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of hazardous materials through densely populated areas. The recommendations put forth by the committee, coupled with the community’s resilience and unity, offer a pathway toward healing and recovery. From rebuilding infrastructure to providing direct support to victims, the implementation of these measures will require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and the general public.
As the community embarks on the journey of recovery, the hope remains that the lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to improved safety measures and prevent future occurrences. For the victims and their families, the efforts of the committee and the support of the broader community represent a beacon of hope in a time of profound loss.
Ewere Okonta, a member of the Agbor Fire Victims Committee, is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business of Administration, University of Delta, Agbor