The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has expressed deep sorrow over the deadly gas explosion that struck the Ona Ara area of Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday, calling the tragedy both needless and preventable.
In a statement on Sunday, Ekpo condoled with the Oyo State Government, families of the deceased, and injured residents still battling for survival after the blast. Preliminary reports indicate the explosion occurred while a gas tanker was offloading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into a 2.5-metric-tonne illegal skid located in a densely populated neighbourhood. The blast destroyed homes, shops, and a nearby church, causing widespread panic.
Confirming the incident, Moroof Akinwande, Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, said three people lost their lives. “It was a gas tanker, registration number LSR 268 YC, loaded with 15 tonnes of LPG, that exploded while transferring the product into a gas skid tank. The blast damaged two tankers and a residential building. Three bodies were recovered and handed over to the police,” Akinwande stated.
Ekpo condemned the illegal operation, describing it as the direct result of operators ignoring safety standards. “The tragedy was completely avoidable,” he said. “Illegal facilities and unsafe practices pose unacceptable risks to communities. No operator has the right to endanger public safety by setting up unapproved gas sites or handling gas without the required expertise.”
The minister noted that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and identify those responsible. He urged residents and eyewitnesses to cooperate with authorities to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence.
Ekpo emphasised that when handled correctly, gas remains one of the safest energy sources, but negligence, poor handling, and unlicensed installations are the true dangers. He warned all illegal gas operators to vacate the sector immediately or face prosecution and the dismantling of unsafe facilities.
The Ibadan explosion adds to a growing pattern of gas-related accidents across Nigeria, many linked to illegal refilling plants in residential areas. Safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter surveillance and enforcement to protect communities as domestic gas consumption rises.
