A group, Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) has threatened to drag the federal government and a construction firm, Reynold Construction Company (RCC), to the International Criminal Court (ICC), following loss of several lives and properties in a tanker fire on the Akpajo axis of the East-West Road in Eleme local government area of Rivers State on Friday night.
RCC is the company handling the ongoing reconstruction of the Akpajo-Onne section of the East-West road.
The youth body said it was unacceptable that RCC failed to create alternative detours before commencing construction, despite being fully aware of the heavy traffic flow along that particular section of the road.
OYF, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday by its President-General, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, demanded that RCC and the federal government take immediate responsibility for their negligence and provide full compensation to the families of the victims.
The statement reads in part: “The Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), the umbrella body of Ogoni youths, is utterly dismayed by the catastrophic explosion of a tanker laden with petroleum products on the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road. This devastating incident has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira. The explosion was caused by the absence of a detour, exacerbated by the dilapidated state of the road.
“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 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, we hold the federal government accountable for allowing RCC to undertake such a crucial project without ensuring that adequate safety measures were in place. The government’s failure to oversee and enforce proper protocols has contributed to this tragedy and cannot be overlooked.”
