On Wednesday January 8, 2025, I was opportune to witness the visit by the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the scene and families of the Agbor tanker explosion victims which occurred on Sunday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
At the places visited, I saw grieving families, males, females, adults, youths and children- all endlessly gazing into the horizon of hopelessness. Their unspoken words were loud enough for all to hear and feel. Their pains are so heavy and infectious to the extent that whoever steps into their arena, no matter how courageous, will be forced without prompting, to feel sober and contemplate on the human existential journey. Most importantly, the excruciating pains and agony not only brought to the fore the frail nature of our humanity but more than anything else, the pain the grieving families currently face. The blood-chilling scenario that I saw was so strong to humble the brave hearted.
At about the same time, I also witnessed the consoling words of the visiting Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). His words for the grieving families were consoling and rapped in both sympathy and empathy.
Aside from describing the occurrence as the most unfortunate incident that has occurred this new year just when the festivities were coming to an end, his countenance and that of his entourage spoke to the fact that we are in this world to look out for, and be strong for one another.
At the family of Mr. Festus Adomgbor who lost his wife, Debora to the inferno, Mr. Ebie while consoling the bereaved husband, said; “we cannot question the ways of the Lord. But all we can say is that we thank God for your life and we hope that with time, you will be able to bear and get over the loss of your dear wife. On behalf of every one of us, please accept our deepest condolences. It is sudden and unfortunate that you lost your dear wife to the fire incident that occurred a few days ago. Please accept our condolences. We pray that God will give you and the family, the fortitude to bear this loss”
For his part, Mr Adomgbor expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Ebie and his team, noting that the show of love received was overwhelming. From Festus Adomgbor’s family compound to that of Mr. Ifeanyi, another bereaved who lost his dear wife Elizabeth to ugly occurrence, the NDDC Board Chairman also gave a message of consolation.
Ebie who arrived at the family compound with his entourage were received by the grieving widower and little children the deceased left behind.
According to him, it is just very unfortunate. “It is very unfortunate. You have young children. And now, she has left you with all the responsibilities. But in times like this, the only way one can get over sorrow is when people come to support, come to commiserate, show you plenty of love. I can see the pain in your eyes. It’s just very unfortunate. We hope that God will give you the strength and the fortitude to bear the loss of your wife. Unfortunately, children are going to grow up without a mother”.
‘’But then, that’s life. Life is very unpredictable. When things happen, we have no choice not to be sad, but to be strong for the children. So, we say sorry. We’ll be with you, to support you. There is nothing anybody can do to bring her back. The least we can do is to show love and concern. Especially for the sake of the children. Therefore, we have hope. But on behalf of the Niger Delta Development Commission, we offer our deepest condolences.’’
Speaking at the scenes of the fire, Ebie gave an assurance that he will definitely see how best he can support the affected persons. He also called on not just government institutions but good spirited individuals to come to their aid.
In his words, “Yes, Most definitely. That’s why we’ve come here. I was out of state and I just came in to Agbor this morning to see for myself. And we will definitely see how best we can support the affected persons. Because as you can see, people have lost their sources of livelihood. So, we call on not just government institutions but good spirited individuals to come to their aid. But definitely, we’ll support them. We’re going to compile the list of those affected, and determine the losses incurred. For those that lost material things, we can see how best we can support them, so that they can get their businesses back on track.
First of all, this is the most unfortunate incident that occurred this year. Most especially, at this time of the year when people had just completed the end of the year festivities and are excited for the prospects of the new year. Then, we have this unfortunate incident. Like I said earlier, we have two categories of people. We have those that lost their loved ones, and were severely affected. And those that have lost their sources of livelihood. Whatever the case may be, we commiserate with both sets of people. It’s unfortunate.
On safety measures he expects relevant authorities to take in order to forestall reoccurrence of such ugly incident, Ebie said; “In Agbor particularly, this is the second time in the past four years. A couple of years ago, we had one, around that Obi Road, along the expressway. Yet again, that was caused by a tanker driver as well.
Now, for the safety measures, tanker drivers and drivers in general to exercise due control and make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy. This is the middle of town. I just can’t imagine how fast you’re driving. You need to try. I’m also calling on the federal road safety corps, to ensure that road users adhere to rules and guidelines of the road. But more importantly, they should make sure these vehicles are roadworthy. Because, I understand that the brakes of these vehicles are properly failed.
On how to enhance handling of emergency situations in the future, Ebie, again observed that many of these things were never planned so, I know tiers of government will rise up to the occasion. ‘’The most important thing is you don’t know who is next. It can happen to anybody. So, all of us. Not just government as well, good spirited individuals should please join the government so that we can regulate the hardship and excess sufferings.’’
‘’As you know, we’re an interventionist agency and we walk with all tiers of government. We’ll find out from them, what they have, what they get from the federal government and also the state government. Because I do know that the state government supports the federal fire service. When we get there, we’ll hear from them’’.
Responding on behalf of the victims whose houses and business were destroyed, Mr. Sunday Omoruyi lauded Mr. Ebie for the visit at the critical moment of their lives.
While pleading for support from all, he called on the visiting NDDC Governing Board Chairman, to use his good office to prevail on relevant agencies to ensure that such incident is permanently prevented in the future.
Omoruyi added that he was not surprised that Mr. Ebie came to visit and console them at their trying moment because his long antecedents at all times portrays him as a good man.
For me, like Ebie has set the ball rolling, this is a timely and clarion call on all to come to the aide of the Agbor tanker explosion victims.All hands must be on deck now!
