By Mandy Tina
The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), representing Ogoni youths, has expressed “profound sorrow over the catastrophic explosion of a tanker carrying petroleum products on the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road.”
OYF President, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana attributed the explosion to the absence of a detour on the dilapidated road, resulting in significant loss of lives and destruction of properties worth billions of Naira.
Yamaabana criticized Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the contractor handling the road project, for negligence and incompetence, accusing them of failing to implement alternative detours despite the heavy traffic flow along the critical artery.
He condemned RCC’s “prioritization of profits over safety,” emphasizing the loss of innocent lives and property damage resulting from their actions.
“While we mourn with those who are grieving, we must also address the root cause of this avoidable disaster. The negligence and incompetence displayed by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the contractor handling the road project, are utterly reprehensible.
“It is unacceptable that RCC failed to create alternative detours before commencing construction, despite being fully aware of the heavy traffic flow along this critical artery. We strongly condemn RCC for prioritization of profits over the safety and well-being of the people.
“It is unconscionable that RCC would engage in practices here in Nigeria that they would never dare to attempt in their home country of Israel. This blatant disregard for basic safety measures has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and extensive damage to property”.
Furthermore, the OYF President held the Federal Government accountable for allowing RCC to undertake the project without ensuring adequate safety measures.
He demanded immediate responsibility from RCC and the Federal Government, including full compensation for the victims’ families, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action and seeking justice through international channels, including the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Yamaabana reiterated the OYF’s commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety and security of their people until accountability is achieved.
