…We’ve sealed the premises -Commissioner

By Ochuko Akuopha

ASABA – Residents of Imade Osazee Street, off Infant Jesus Road, and Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba, Delta State, have petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, lamenting the siting and erection of what they described as illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, in the residential area.

The residents, in the petition written on their behalf by the solicitors P. J Eleweke and Partners, said the construction of the facility was less than 5 metres from the living bedroom of residents.

The petition dated January 19, 2026, and signed by I. P. Eleweke Esq, said the erection of the gas station could not have qualified for approval.

The petition urged the Governor to intervene by investigating and taking appropriate actions to stop the current construction of the LPG Plant so as to prevent impending time bomb should any explosion occur in the operation of the plant.

“We are solicitors to the residents of Imade Osazee Street, off Infant Jesus Road, Asaba and Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba, Delta State (hereinafter referred to as “Our Clients”).

“We write on Our Client’s behalf and specific instructions: It is Our Clients’ instruction that there is an erection of LPG filling station currently in progress on Our Clients’ street and opposite Our Clients’ school which is housing over 500 students.”

The petition noted that “the illegal gas station which could not have been qualified for approval by your office as the said erection is in a residential area, besides a residential house and opposite a school premises which poses great danger to the environment.

The petitioners noted that “the said gas plant sited behind A.A. RANO filling station are being built simultaneously and without taking cognizance of the required setback as provided in the law and first seeking and obtaining consent from your office before the LPG plant construction as it can be seen that the said construction is less than 5 metres from the living bedroom of residents.

“That Our Clients are concerned about the grave dangers inherent in the illegally set up gas plant and should any incident occur, the damages will be enormous where lives and properties may be lost, the recent Agbor incident being very fresh in their minds.”

Contacted, the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Peter Uviejitobo said his ministry has sealed the premises.

“We sealed that place; the seal is still there. If you go there, you will see our seal. I will still visit the place today or tomorrow.”