Abule-Egba area of Lagos State on Wednesday December 19, 2018 experienced an explosion that will not be forgotten in a hurry by victims and residents, caused by vandalized NNPC pipeline in the area that destroyed several properties.
Be that as it may, residents and victims of the inferno has now come out to narrate their ugly experiences.
Mrs. Ruth Joseph, said: “We were sleeping when we heard the shout of fire. By the time I got up, the fire was already in my apartment. I immediately rushed to rescue my children, but I was only able to get two of them out unhurt. By the time I went in for Samuel, the fire had taken over the entire apartment.”
“I am a poor widow and does not have money. That is why I decided to treat myself. But my joy of getting better treatment is fulfilled with the CP’s directive that my son and I be taken to the hospital for treatment.”
Sunday Alade, a resident in Awori, said; “The incident happened around 3.30am. I woke up to a loud sound and fire from afar. People started screaming ‘fire’ to alert neighbours who were probably asleep, as the raging fire spread at a fast pace.”
“On getting close to the scene, I could see some people carrying various kegs of petrol. But thank God people were able to escape from their houses before the fire could reach the buildings that included retail shops.”
“Also, save for the timely intervention of firefighters and rescue team, the damage could have been colossal, as they promptly put out the fire. We really thank God, no life was lost.”
Mr. Toheeb Ismaila, another resident disclosed: “The vandals dug a hole to connect their hose to NNPC pipelines. They dropped the hose inside the gutter without shutting the valves. This was what caused the fire.”
“The fire spread through the gutter where the products spilt. It passed through Just Rite Shopping Mall, Samar Filling Station to the canal near Agege Abattoir and Charity Road Junction, opposite Oko Oba Market.”
Mrs Justina Samakai, lamented: “This incident has soiled Christmas celebration for my family because we lost everything in the fire.”
Meanwhile, we gathered that a car dealer and owner of Auto-Pillar Mart, James Akindele whose store containing different kinds of vehicles was ravaged completely by the fire suffered the worst slump while inspecting the extent of damage in his store and was rushed to the hospital where he is receiving adequate care.
Speaking on James Akindele’s matter, his friend stated that; “James restocked his store a few days ago, to meet his customers’ demands that is why he slumped, seeing the extent of damages done to his shop.”
A resident, Yinka Kambia, disclosed that; “I woke up at about 3am and discovered that there was a fire raging beside my house. The heat was intense. I had to wake my children to avoid loss of life. We rushed out for safety. We couldn’t salvage anything.”
“We would have been able to salvage some property, but could not due to delayed arrival of the fire service officials, who came at 4am.”
Sulaimon Durosomo, an artisan said; “I deal in interior decoration. And all I have bought for the yuletide has been razed. In fact, the goods I was contacted to procure by a customer has been razed completely.”