Tanker Explosion: NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie Consoles Agbor Victims
By Jerome-mario Utomi
AGBOR/Nigeria: Emotions ran high on Wednesday as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, visited and commiserated with victims of Sunday’s tragic tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
At the scene of the explosion, Ebie met with survivors and grieving families, who gave harrowing accounts of how the incident upended their lives in an instant.
Describing the explosion as an unprecedented tragedy for Agbor, Ebie lamented the timing of the disaster, which struck as residents were resuming normal activities after the holiday season. He pledged support for the victims, stating, “This is the most unfortunate incident this year, especially coming at a time when people were hopeful for the new year. We commiserate with everyone affected, including those who lost loved ones and those whose livelihoods were destroyed.”
Ebie appealed for immediate intervention from governments, institutions, and philanthropists to alleviate the suffering of the victims. “We will compile a list of those affected to determine the extent of losses. For those who lost their livelihoods, we will explore ways to help them rebuild and restart their businesses,” he added.
Addressing safety measures to prevent future occurrences, Ebie urged tanker drivers to exercise caution and maintain roadworthy vehicles. He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps to enforce adherence to traffic rules and vehicle inspections. “This is the second tanker-related incident in Agbor in four years. These tragedies are preventable if drivers and relevant authorities prioritize safety,” he noted.
Ebie emphasized collective responsibility in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy. “Accidents like this are unplanned, and anyone could be affected. All stakeholders—government, individuals, and agencies—must work together to ease the victims’ suffering,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr. Sunday Omoruyi praised Ebie for his timely visit and his history of compassion. “Your visit shows your genuine concern for us during this critical time. We pray for your continued success,” Omoruyi said, while appealing for long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents.
Ebie and his team also visited the family of Mr. Festus Adomgbor, who lost his wife, Debora, to the fire. Offering condolences, Ebie said, “We cannot question God’s will. We pray that you find strength to bear this loss. On behalf of the NDDC, please accept our deepest sympathy.” Adomgbor expressed gratitude for the support and love shown by Ebie and his team.
The NDDC Chairman extended his condolences to Mr. Ifeanyi, another victim who lost his wife, Elizabeth, in the inferno. “It is deeply unfortunate. In times like these, support and love from others are the only ways to heal. We will stand by you,” Ebie assured, pledging the Commission’s continued assistance to affected families.
