Flames Of Neglect: The Urgent Need For Fire Safety In Agbor (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

Agbor, the bustling metropolis in Delta State, has tragically earned an unsettling reputation as a city plagued by recurrent fire disasters. The latest fuel tanker explosion along the old Lagos-Asaba Road, which consumed lives, properties, and countless dreams, serves as a grim reminder of the inadequacies in the city’s fire safety and emergency response systems. This devastating incident is not an isolated case. Instead, it is the culmination of years of negligence, inefficiency, and a lack of strategic planning. To reverse this trend and protect lives and properties, the government must urgently regulate tanker operations, equip fire services, and establish more fire service outlets in Agbor.

There is no denying the fact that Agbor has a history of preventable fire-related tragedies. On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Apostle John Monday, a resident of Agbor, was left devastated as a fire outbreak razed his building and bakery equipment, valued at over ₦45 million. His cries for government and individual intervention highlighted the vulnerability of citizens in the face of such disasters. Barely two years later, on January 16, 2024, confusion and anguish gripped the city again as another fire ravaged a building housing several shops along the old Lagos-Asaba Road. This Sunday’s tanker explosion marks yet another catastrophic event in the city’s grim timeline.

These repeated disasters expose the dire need for a functional and adequately equipped fire service in Agbor. Social media reactions paint a damning picture. A post by FBL Obasa on X (formerly Twitter) lamented, “There is a fire outbreak in Agbor, Delta state and no single fire service equipment in sight.” Similarly, Jude Friday Onyeoghani’s Facebook comment revealed, “We don’t have firefighters in Agbor. The fire is still burning inside drainages.” These sentiments reflect the frustration of residents who have repeatedly witnessed preventable losses due to the absence of an effective fire response system.

Given the foregoing, it is germane to opine that regulating tanker operations in Agbor is a critical first step to be taken by the Delta State Government. The reason for the foregoing suggestion cannot be farfetched as the frequency of tanker-related accidents in Agbor calls for urgent regulatory intervention. Tankers transporting fuel and other flammable substances are often poorly maintained and driven recklessly. This negligence not only endangers lives but also magnifies the risks of large-scale disasters in urban areas.

Therefore, to mitigate these risks, the government must implement strict inspection protocols which would entail regular inspection of tankers to ensure they meet safety standards, including proper sealing of valves and maintenance of braking systems.

In a similar vein, there is the need to designate safe routes, exclusively for tankers. This can be achieved by limiting tanker movements to specific routes and times to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the risk of accidents in densely populated areas.

Again, it is expedient the government embark on enforcement of licensing requirements: Only licensed and well-trained drivers should be allowed to operate tankers. Also, tanker operators should be made to undergo fire safety and emergency response training.  By prioritizing these measures, the government can significantly reduce the likelihood of tanker-related disasters.

Again, the government should prioritize the re-equipment and expansion of fire services in Agbor. As gathered, Agbor’s fire service system is alarmingly inadequate. Reports indicate that during major fire incidents, there are often no fire trucks or functional equipment available. This glaring shortfall underscores the need for immediate investment in fire service infrastructure.

Thus, the immediate steps to equip fire services in Agbor should include procurement of modern firefighting equipment, such as fire trucks, water tankers, and foam sprayers as they are essential tools for combating both urban and tanker-related fires.

In a similar vein, there is the need for the recruitment and training of firefighters, even the establishment of a well-trained fire service team equipped to handle emergencies efficiently would bring value to fire services in Agbor and its suburbs.

Again, there should be an unprecedented establishment of fire hydrants. This can be achieved by strategically installing fire hydrants across the city to provide a reliable water source during emergencies.

As for Long-term solutions, there is need for decentralization of fire stations. This can be achieved by establishing additional fire stations in strategic locations across Agbor to ensure rapid response times, even as adoption of technology is inevitable. This is as introduction of GPS-enabled tracking systems to locate fire incidents quickly and direct resources efficiently would go a long way in preempting such inferno in future.

Besides the foregoing steps mentioned in this context to preempt a future occurrence, embarking on public awareness campaigns are indispensable. This can be achieved by educating residents on fire prevention measures and emergency protocols to reduce risks and improve community resilience.

Similarly, there is the need for the strengthening of emergency preparedness.  In fact, a comprehensive fire safety strategy extends beyond equipping fire services. It requires a coordinated approach involving multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and the community.

On key recommendations which the Delta State government need to adopt, it is germane to opine that establishing fire safety task force would also go a long way. This can be achieved by creating a task force to oversee fire safety regulations, inspect public and private buildings, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Also, there is need for enhancement in the area of collaboration. This can be attained by fostering partnerships between fire services, hospitals, and local authorities to ensure seamless coordination during emergencies, even as investment in research and development cannot be pooh-poohed as it would give room for the studying of the root causes of perennial fire outbreaks in Agbor to develop tailored prevention strategies.

In fact, the recurring fire disasters in Agbor are a stark indictment of systemic failures in urban planning, emergency response, and governance. The government’s inaction has left residents vulnerable, turning preventable tragedies into annual rituals of anguish and loss. It is time for the government to act decisively to safeguard the lives and properties of Agbor residents.

First, tanker operations must be strictly regulated to prevent accidents. Second, the fire service must be adequately equipped and expanded to provide comprehensive coverage across the city. Finally, a robust emergency preparedness framework must be implemented to ensure a swift and effective response to future incidents.

For God sake! Residents of Agbor deserve more than just promises; they deserve action. The flames of neglect must be extinguished, and a safer, more resilient Agbor must emerge from the ashes of these tragedies. Only then can the city’s residents begin to rebuild their lives with the confidence that their government is truly committed to their safety and well-being