In line with the pledge made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to victims of the March 15 Abule Ado explosions, Lagos State Government has commenced the disbursement of N2.5 million to next-of-kin of those who died in the disaster.
Twenty-three persons were confirmed dead, 586 displaced and hundreds of properties destroyed in the multiple blasts said to have been caused by pipeline rupture.
Although effects of the devastation were felt as far as Surulere, Festac Town, Okota, Egbeda among others were properties allegedly affected, the major destruction occurred in Abule-Soba axis where scores of buildings scattered across seven streets were completely levelled.
During an on-the-spot visit to the area, Sanwo-Olu announced a N25 billion relief fund for the victims to be disbursed by a committee headed by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.
Announcing the commencement of the disbursement through text message, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it followed the approval of the State Executive Council.
Director General (DG) Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu who signed the notice said the disbursement will commence Wednesday, April 22, at the Deputy Governor’s office in Alausa.
It read: “Further to the verbal commitment made by Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, Executive Governor, Lagos State to assist the victims of the families affected by the gas explosion at Amuwo Odofin LGA which occurred on the 15th March 2020, I wish to notify you that Executive Council approval has been given for the presentation of relief assistance to you, as a named next of kin, by the Lagos State Government tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd April 2020.
“We therefore request that you attend a brief meeting at the office of the Deputy Governor, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. You are to come with a valid form of identification and to be seated by 11am. Thank you in advance for your prompt attendance and cooperation.”
On April 18, Oke-Osanyintolu sent a statement announcing that government would in coming days start giving money to the deceased’s identified next of kins without details as to amount nor when the disbursement will kick off.
Asked the amount each next of kin will get, the LASEMA boss replied Wednesday morning that “Each named next of kin of a deceased victim of the Abule Soba pipeline explosion will be given Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,500,000) by the Lagos State Government.”
However, there are concerns as to how these named next of kins are expected to get to the State Secretariat in Alausa since the state was on lockdown as a preventive measure against further spread of COVID-19.