27 May 2013, Lagos – Over 100 alleged fresh victims of the 2008 pipeline explosion at Ijegun in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State appeared at the weekend, demanding for compensation.
The development is coming a week after the Lagos State Government commenced issuance of cheques to the original victims of the explosion totalling 233.
The alleged fresh victims were at the disbursement centre at the weekend, showing off various degrees of burns and demanding inclusion in the compensation scheme.
Chairman of the Ijegun Pipeline Explosion victims, Mr. Olaseni Shoewu, confirmed to journalists the emergence of the 100 people, who, according to him, were not captured in the initial list.
“When they realised that the state government was ready to fulfill its promises, they showed up with their burns to signify that they were also affected by the explosion,” Shoewu, who is also a victim of the explosion, said.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for the gesture in paying the compensation to the victims: “They never believed that government would fulfil its promise but that he was persistent in ensuring that tokens were given to the victims.”
Speaking during the cheque presentation, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said the 100 people, who showed up after five years, were those who did not associate with the community, and failed to show up during the enumeration exercise for them to be captured.