By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA

MINISTER of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has decried the latest explosions which occurred in Lagos and Imo states in less than one week, saying the disastrous incidences were avoidable. 

The minister sympathized with the government and people of Imo, Lagos and Ogun states following the developments.

Recall that a deadly explosion occurred at an illegal oil refining site on Friday night killing scores of people at Abaezi forest in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

Earlier on Thursday, a tanker ladden with 45,000 litres of PMS crashed and spilled its  content across Lagos and Ogun states along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The d3ath of a male adult was reported.

In a statement, on Sunday, by her Special Assistant, Media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Umar Farouq advised caution be applied while plying the roads with inflammable substances, while declaring the illegal bunkering of petrol in certain areas as a suicidal.

She said: “The incessant occurrence of explosions in Lagos and Imo states are unfortunate but avoidable.

“The consequences of such dastard acts that led to the d3ath of many people cannot not be over-emphasized. 

“Illegal bunkering of petroleum products is a punishable offence under the law,  therefore, the culprits should be brought to book to face the full wrath of the law.

“I sincerely sympathize with the families of the victims and pray for the repose of the souls of the dead.

“I also appeal to the people especially the youths to desist from illegal bunkering of petroleum products in the area.”

Meanwhile, rescue operations have commenced removal of several bodies burnt beyond recognition at the scene of the explosion  in Imo state. Six  vehicles were also razed during the incident.

Vanguard News