Tanker that caught fire
By Ejiro Nesisa
Ometan Community in Okpe/Uvwie Local Government Areas Tanker fire disaster victims have cried for financial help saying, they are suffering in silence. This was known by one of the victims in the community who identified himself as Pastor Udi Lons Okakamunapedo when newsmen visited the community.
The victim who frustration was written on his face said, since the fire incident happened, they have not been in themselves as they have no place to take shelter, no food to eat, no money in their pockets as they are passing untold hardship.
Pastor Okakamunapedo said: “Since the incident happened on the 3rd of May, 2024 (last Month) which led to the death of many people including eight persons in his family and the destruction of property worth billions of Naira, we have not got assistance from anybody including the government“.
According him, on that fate day, the incident happened,Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori visited the community to see things himself but till date, they have not got any help.His words: “Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori visited Ometan on the day of the devastating tanker inferno that killed a total of eight persons, seven in my compound who includes my younger sister, Tekeme and her son”
The burnt buildings
According to him, apart from the people who died, property worth billions of Naira were destroyed and today, many of them have no place to put their head.His words: “Apart from property, several buildings,five stores, church, several other caravans belonging to neighbours, vehicles, tippers, among others, worth billions of Naira were destroyed in the inferno“. According to him, what happened to them is as worse as flood and other natural disasters adding, what they experienced on that day has never happened to the community as it has been a peaceful one.
He said:” What happened on that fateful day has never happened in our community. A situation where fire from tanker carrying fuel fell and burst into flames and entered the community roasting people and destroying property. This is peaceful community, it is this tanker that has put us in this problem”
He expressed gratitude to the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I that was able to assist them with finance since the fire incident occurred. He said:” l thank our Royal Father, HRM, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd) Orhue I to have helped us since the fire disaster”. Pastor Okakamunapedo used the medium to appeal to Governor Oborevwori, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, other corporate organizations, philanthropists and well meaning Nigerians to assist them financially to enable them settle in their homes.
Pastor Udi Long Okakamunapedo
He said:”We will not fail to appreciate if Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other well meaning Nigerians, organizations and philanthropists can help us, we are suffering in silence”. Pastor Okakamunapedo however, in respective of what they are passing through, celebrated with Governor Oborevwori for his numerous achievements as he marked one year in office.
He said:” Irrespective of what we are going through, l celebrate with our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for his numerous achievements in his one year in office, we expect more from him in years ahead”