Etim Effiong
An illegal oil storage facility located along Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos State, was razed by fire around 11am on Tuesday.
Our reporter gathered that prompt move by the emergency responders prevented the inferno from spreading to other buildings, many of which are business premises.
It was learnt that poor handling of the oil storage, including diesel on open facility resulted in the fire outbreak.
General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident and stated that the premises had been sealed and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for thorough investigation.
“While the situation has been brought under control, residents are reminded of the need to take responsibility about life and properties and report such instances to the authorities,” he said.
It was gathered that there were seven plastic storage containers, 25 drums, three storage tankers, one articulated tanker, and six buses used for the illicit storage and transportation of diesel within the complex.
The premises was also said to have been used for many years before the incident.
The emergency responders, which include Lagos State Fire Service, LRT, Anti-Vandal unit of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and the NSCDC, were said to have responded to the situation following distress calls.