By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
Ewereokonta20@gmail.com
www.ewereokontablog.org.ng
The good people of Agbor, the headquarters of Ika South Local Government Council in Delta State, Nigeria, woke up yesterday, the first Sunday of the year 2025, with the intention of worshipping God in their various churches, as Christians around the world do. Little did they know that a tragic fire incident would occur, rendering many families and businesses homeless and unemployed. This disaster raises pressing questions about whether such incidents have become an unfortunate annual ritual in Agbor.
Fire accidents happen globally, but the recurring pattern of such tragedies at the beginning of every January in Agbor has left residents bewildered and distressed. The latest calamity, which locals have dubbed “Black Sunday,” was caused by a tanker loaded with petroleum products. The driver lost control of the vehicle at the Mobile Junction traffic light, resulting in a devastating explosion. The fire engulfed several properties, including the First Bank Agbor branch, the yet-to-be-occupied Access Bank building, and numerous private businesses.
Tragically, an unconfirmed number of lives were lost, including children returning from church with their parents. The pain and sorrow caused by this incident are immeasurable. This marks the second consecutive year that such a tragedy has occurred in Agbor. Last year, on January 15, 2024, a fire broke out in a building housing multiple businesses directly opposite the Zenith Bank Agbor branch. That structure remains unrebuilt, and many affected business owners have yet to recover. Before the 2024 fire incident, there was also the GREATER GAS EXPLOSION that claimed so many lives in the previous year.
Agbor deserves better!
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
The persistent fire incidents in Agbor highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent future disasters. Here are some recommendations:
Fire Safety in Homes and Businesses: Residents and business owners should equip their premises with fire-fighting equipment, such as extinguishers and smoke alarms, to mitigate the impact of fire outbreaks.
Safer Transportation of Petroleum Products: The government must implement stricter regulations for transporting petroleum products within Agbor. Ensuring that tanker drivers are well-trained and that vehicles are roadworthy and fitted with fire-fighting equipment is crucial.
Enhanced Fire Service Capacity: The Agbor Fire Service Station, strategically located near the Orogodo River, should be equipped with at least ten modern fire-fighting trucks to serve both Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas. Fire personnel must receive adequate training to handle emergencies effectively.
Improved Emergency Medical Facilities: Hospitals in Agbor should be better equipped to manage emergencies of this magnitude. The government must expedite the completion of the Trauma Center in Agbor to provide specialized care for victims of such incidents.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the community about fire prevention and emergency response strategies is essential to reduce the risk of future incidents.
Moving Forward
The recurring nature of these fire incidents in Agbor demands urgent attention from all stakeholders. These disasters have not only caused significant property damage but have also led to the displacement of families and businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic and emotional hardship throughout the community. The government, private sector, and citizens must collaborate to address the root causes and ensure the safety of lives and property. For instance, regular safety drills and inspections can be instituted as a community-wide initiative to foster preparedness and reduce vulnerabilities.
Moreover, businesses should be incentivized to adopt fire-resistant materials during construction and to maintain comprehensive insurance policies to mitigate losses in the event of such tragedies. The role of technology cannot be overstated—innovative solutions such as early warning systems, surveillance drones, and real-time monitoring of high-risk zones should be explored and deployed.
As Agbor mourns the loss of lives and livelihoods, it is imperative to take decisive action to prevent history from repeating itself. Beyond immediate measures, a long-term strategy involving urban planning reforms, enhanced public infrastructure, and continuous risk assessment must be prioritized.
The time to act is now. Let “Black Sunday” serve as a turning point for the community, fostering resilience and preparedness against future tragedies. Agbor deserves better, and with collective effort, a safer and more secure future can be achieved.
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.
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