THE horrendous fire disaster that killed more than 102 people, who had trooped out to scoop petrol from a fallen tanker at Okogbe in Ahoada West Local Council of Rivers State, is a pointer that Nigerians have not learned any lesson from the recurrent fuel tragedies that have consumed many lives in similar circumstances in the past. By the last count, no fewer than 3,000 people have been burnt to death in at least 14 incidents across the country in the last 14 years, averaging one disaster in a year. The thought that government appears helpless in averting the incidents, while the people also seemingly succumbed to an innate obsession for free petrol is a sad notice that such explosion can happen again.It is easy to blame poverty of the masses for the recurring catastrophes, but the truth is that there is a collapse of the social system that has placed the people at the receiving end of official mismanagement and outright mis-governance. The resulting anomie will seem to be inevitable. Therefore, rather than blame poverty for the mass deaths, the root of the poverty is bad governance, and this must be redressed.While the need for public education and enlightenment are crucial to, in the circumstance, re-orientate the people away from dangerous and suicidal ventures, government should retrace its failing steps to put in place measures to prevent the ugly occurrences. It is important as well to identify and sanction individuals and groups responsible for needless human carnage.What could have been yet another disaster was averted in Aba, Abia State when, barely a week after the Ahoada incident, a kerosene laden tanker reportedly overturned at Ogbor hill area of the commercial city and residents trooped out to scoop the kerosene. Perhaps the luck was that kerosene is not as highly inflammable as petrol.According to reports, a petrol tanker overturned at Okogbe, Ahoada, after involvement in an accident and within minutes, folks from the nearby villages trooped out with all manner of containers to scoop the 'free' fuel. But in a flash, amid the crowd struggle, an explosion occurred that set the scene ablaze. The ensuing inferno caught more than 102 people who were burnt beyond recognition. Scores of others sustained serious burns and were taken to the Ahoada General Hospital where many more died later.Since 1998, when an oil pipeline explosion near the town of Jesse in Delta State, killed over 1,000 people, government had promised to develop solutions to prevent recurrence. But to date, the authorities have done practically nothing to stop the carnage, while the people have learned nothing. How to stop the incessant mass deaths from oil-related accidents is a major task for the government.The government needs to tackle the challenge headlong, and this is long overdue. One way is to determine the underlying causes, of which lack of effective regulation relating to the transportation of petroleum products from one location to the other, is a major factor. There are no standards set for trucks that carry fuel products and the qualification of drivers that should drive them. Greedy businessmen use all manner of decrepit and unroadworthy vehicles to convey fuel. Many of the drivers are untrained and can hardly read traffic signs, where they exist.Absence of a functional railway system has also contributed in no small measure in causing the accidents. Elsewhere, fuel products are conveyed by rail to reduce the menace and danger of moving such highly inflammable materials through the road. Since the railway system has broken down, the use of tankers became inevitable. But the roads are dilapidated and not maintained. To be fair to them, tanker drivers have occasionally embarked on strike to protest, in vain, the bad condition of the roads.Again, bad governance, manifested through inept and corrupt government, is at the root of the problem. Successive administrations, especially since 1999, have failed to do the right thing despite very huge amounts budgeted. People are being impoverished by misplaced official policies that have given vent to mass unemployment, lack of education, mass ignorance, abject poverty and desperation to survive.They see any fallen tanker as an opportunity to partake in what has been denied them, not minding the dire consequences. The solution lies in the equitable distribution of the nation's wealth to serve people's basic needs. In addition, government and public-spirited organisations should embark on mass enlightenment to educate the people on the potential dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.There is also need for a thorough investigation of these incidents to put the record straight and to guard against a recurrence. Regrettably, past incidents were not investigated and no one has been found culpable for such mass deaths. There should be a change of attitude to caution relevant persons and organisations, and ultimately to prevent avoidable destruction of lives and properties.
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