A couple that was returning from church
was also reportedly killed in the Lagos explosion.
Likewise lakeview Hotel, behind the church, was equally destroyed,
among other properties. The Lagos State Fire servicemen who first responded to
the distress call, dispelled rumour of pipeline explosion, saying it was not
connected with pipeline but buildings on Fire at Ado Soba, Abule Ado. One of
the victims, Ramat Bello, who had been rendered homeless, said: “I thank
God that I am still alive. I sustained these (pointing to the spot) injuries
during the explosion. I was inside my apartment preparing to go for family
meeting when the entire building began to vibrate. ‘’The window glasses were
flying everywhere. It was broken glasses that tore my legs. I was rushed to the
hospital, while my neighbours helped park my properties.
“I don’t have anywhere to go to. My rent is yet to expire
before the incident. I am praying that the fire subsides so I can go inside and
check if I can still sleep there for a couple of days before I can get a new
place. These are my properties outside.” Another victim, Mr. Johnathan,
narrated his ordeal: “I was in the church when the incident happened. Right
now, I am moving my family and my belongings to the church. This is a burden on
my side because this is unplanned expenses. “As you can see, there are
pipelines around this area, more effort needs to be put in by the government in
terms of enforcement. People should also be prevented from buildings close to
petroleum pipelines.’’
Oluchi, another victim who lives on
Chosen Street, recounted her experience: “Right now, I am going to a friend’s
place in Coker, tomorrow I will come back and see if I can scavenge anything
from my apartment as my electronics were burnt. The explosion removed the roof
of my apartment, broke the windows.”