Lagos explosions: Controversy over police, fire service reports

There was controversy on Thursday as witnesses said they found it difficult to believe that the Wednesday explosion that rocked the Folawiyo Tank Farm at the Apapa area of Lagos was not a bomb blast, but a gas explosion.

They said although the police and the Lagos State Fire Service were experts, some incidences leading to the tragedy should be investigated.

PUNCH Metro had reported on Thursday that two explosions occurred in the area on Wednesday with sources claiming that five persons died, while many others were injured.

One of the eyewitnesses, who pleaded anonymity, said two explosions occurred on Wednesday, but added that the second explosion was from a car.

He said, “The incident happened around 9pm on Wednesday night. A woman had parked a Toyota Sienna car in front of a bank here (pointing to the bank) and attempted to enter the Folawiyo Farm over there, but was refused entry by the securitymen at the gate. Few minutes later, we heard the first explosion.

“Not up to 10 minutes later, the car she parked exploded. The second explosion was more deadly because people died.”

Another eyewitness said, “I think the first explosion was like a trap to gather people to the scene of the second explosion. When the first explosion occurred, people rushed to see what was happening.

“I know one petty trader who lost her life as a result of the blast. I warned her not to go too close, but she would not listen. The whole thing happened like a movie. As people were converging, the second explosion occurred, killing some people. The media had reported that just five people died. You know Lagos lookers and how they behave. How do you think that only five people will be affected with the large crowd the first explosion was able to attract?”

Attempts to confirm the actual casualty figures were not successful. However, PUNCH Metro was able to confirm that many people were affected. Security men had cordoned off the affected area as at the time PUNCH Metro visited the scene. But one of the security men who were assigned to the scene of the blast, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said

He said, “If you had been here earlier today, you would have taken better pictures than this. The blood stain here in the morning was like a stream and the smell was too much. The rains have washed most of the stains away. Our spokesperson (Ngozi Braide) was here earlier today, you can call here for information.”

A visit to the Apapa General Hospital, where some of the victims were taken to, revealed that they had been transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

A source in the Apapa hospital, who pleaded anonymity, said the victims only received first aid there before they were transferred.

Security Operatives at the Lagoon Hospital, where a few of the victims were taken to, prevented our correspondent from gaining entry into the hospital.

One Mr. Jubril, who claimed to be the chief security officer of the hospital, said, “We can’t just allow you in, if you say you are a journalist, go and bring one of the relatives of the victims here before we can allow you in.”

The Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, however, said the command had deployed bomb detectives to the area, adding that investigations were ongoing.

She said, “We have deployed the Explosive Ordinance Department’s operatives in the area. As soon as they are through with their investigations, we will make them public.”