God rest the dead
On the explosion close to Festac Town, Lagos yesterday, first, God rest the dead. At this point, it is important to point out that the NEMA press release named no one. Just said 15 people died. As a country, we have to move away from this culture of not naming victims.
Rev. Sr. Henrietta Alokha, the principal of Bethlehem High School at Abule Ado, stayed behind and ensured that most of her students were saved. She died in the effort. She is/was a hero, and should be celebrated as such, not buried and forgotten. A Catholic priest involved in the rescue operation was killed by a pillar which fell when part of the building caved in. No one has told us who he is. A family of four were killed. What were their names?
Having said that, let’s talk (very briefly) about regulations.
Nigeria has town planning laws that were clearly flouted. These pipelines were built in the 1970s when that area was still forest.
Who sold the land?
Who gave permission for building to happen?
Why have they not been brought to account?
These are serious questions that a serious people should be asking, and then implementing the answers, whatever they may be. Not waiting for the next tragedy before wringing our hands again.
Once more, God rest the dead.
Edit: my friend nicholas ibekwe just pointed out to me that the blast happened in Abule Ado, and that by making the blast about the nearest middle-class area, I’m a part of the problem. He is right, and I apologise.