The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has expressed deep sorrow over the gas explosion that claimed three lives and left dozens injured in the Ona Ara area of Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday. Describing the incident as both “needless and preventable”, the minister lamented the growing trend of illegal gas operations across Nigerian communities.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, Ekpo conveyed condolences to the Oyo State Government, the families of the deceased, and the many residents currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the blast.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion occurred while a gas tanker was offloading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into an illegal 2.5-metric-tonne skid concealed within a densely populated neighbourhood. The force of the blast tore through homes, shops and a nearby church, sending residents fleeing in panic as thick plumes of smoke rose above the community.
Confirming the tragedy, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande, said the tanker, a vehicle bearing registration number LSR 268 YC and loaded with 15 tonnes of LPG, detonated during the transfer process.
“The blast damaged two tankers and a residential building. Three bodies were recovered and handed over to policemen from the Akanran Division,” Akinwande said, adding that a joint operation with the Federal Fire Service helped quickly contain the situation.
In his statement, Ekpo condemned the existence of such unlicensed facilities, arguing that the catastrophe stemmed directly from “operators cutting corners and ignoring safety standards”.
He stressed that no operator has the authority to endanger public safety by establishing unapproved gas sites or handling LPG without the necessary training and certification.
The minister confirmed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had already launched a full investigation to determine the root cause and identify those responsible. He urged residents and eyewitnesses to assist investigators to ensure accountability.
While reiterating that gas is among the safest and cleanest energy sources when handled correctly, Ekpo insisted that negligence, substandard equipment and illegal installations, not the product itself, are the true catalysts behind such disasters.
He issued a stern warning to all illegal gas operators, directing them to vacate the sector immediately or face severe sanctions, including prosecution and the dismantling of hazardous facilities.
“The government will rigorously enforce safety regulations to safeguard lives, property and public confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector,” he added.
Friday’s explosion adds to an alarming rise in gas-related incidents nationwide, many of which have been traced to unlicensed refilling plants and makeshift skids situated in residential areas. Safety experts have long urged the government to intensify surveillance and crack down on the proliferation of such facilities as domestic gas usage continues to grow across the country.
