COVID-19: More Woes For Displaced Abule-Ado Residents After Gas Disaster
As the message of social distancing reaches a crescendo in a valiant bid to combat the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic in Nigeria, the fate of thousands of Abule-Ado residents hangs in the balance. Over 20 people lost their lives to a devastating gas explosion on the morning of Sunday, March 15 2020, while properties estimated to be worth over N3 billion perished in the incident.
The residents, many of whom are still coming to terms with the grim reality of losing their loved ones and properties worth billions of Naira, have even more to worry about on their safety and well-being.
According to the Lagos state government, over 500 residents were displaced after losing their homes, places of business, cars and other properties to the blast, but a comprehensive analysis report by Aerial Advantage and OEA Consults shows that the figure of persons directly affected by the incident may even be higher. The incident report shows that over 1000 residents of Abule-Ado may be looking for where to lay their heads every night, as over 500 structures were affected in varying proportions by the blast.
Reports say that the state government has so far sent about 100 residents of the community affected by the explosion to the LASEMA Resettlement Centre at Igando, Lagos. An official of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Tayo Ogunbiyi, also confirms that the centre can house a total of 880 people, with eight people in one room.
For the people expected to practice social distancing to avoid the risk of contracting Covid-19, this is quite terrifying. Some residents have been reportedly ‘lucky’ to be curling up at corners in relatives’ homes, but many others have nowhere else to go.
What really becomes the fate of the people yet to get over the shock and effect of a devastating explosion but also have to protect themselves from contracting a dangerous viral infection?
