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How domestic gas explosions wiped out members of two families in Delta

Published

7 months ago

July 6, 2025

How domestic gas explosions wiped out members of two families in Delta

Alphonsus Agborh writes on cases of domestic gas explosions in Delta State and the urgent need for safety awareness and proper handling of LPG cylinders.

The frequency in which domestic gas explosions occur in the country, nay, Delta State, has brought the need for domestic gas safety awareness and proper handling of LPG cylinders to prevent such tragedies to the front burner.

The devastating loss of family members in such incidents serves as a sombre reminder of the dangers posed by everyday appliances when handled without proper safety knowledge.

Gas explosion had indeed left indelible marks in the hearts of those family members who are fortunate to be alive, notwithstanding the high degree of burns they suffered and are now contending with. In most cases, human mistakes are the major causes of the explosions. For instance, using outdated or leaking cylinders or igniting matches when one perceives odour of gas could be a threat to gas users.

In Delta State, gas explosions have claimed family members in two devastating occurrences this year, throwing communities and neighbourhood into mourning.

For the family of Sir Sylvester Orukpe Ubhimhinye, a resident in Ekpan in Uwvie Local Government of Delta State, a native of Ohordua in Esan South East Local Area of the state, the preparation for the birthday celebration of their daughter, Ann Obehi, who had recently secured a visa to travel abroad ended on a tragic note recently. The man, his wife and daughter died following injuries they sustained in the gas explosion that rocked their residence in the oil city precisely on May 30, 2025.

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The neighbourhood was turned into mourning as residents, helplessly, watched the thick smoke that was coming out of the kitchen and unable to rescue the victims who eventually got burnt beyond recognition.

The explosion was said to have occurred when the man attempted to connect a burner to a smaller LPG gas cylinder while another cylinder was already in use in the same kitchen. This led to a gas leakage that ignited, sparking an instantaneous explosion that engulfed the kitchen and nearby areas in flames.

The mother, Lady Esther, 67, who was stepping out of the bathroom when the explosion occurred, died on the spot owing to the severity of the blast while Ubhimhinye and their daughter sustained critical burns. They were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) where they later passed on.

In a similar incident, a family of six was wiped away in Agbor, Ika North-East of the state recently when a cooking gas exploded. The victims were identified as Mr. Favour Akpevweta, his wife, three children and a sister-in-law.

The fire started after the gas with which Mrs. Akpevweta was cooking exploded.

An eyewitness account said that Mrs Akpovweta was outside the compound in the evening when she noticed that something was burning in the kitchen. She was said to have rushed inside and entered the kitchen with a burning candle, which triggered the explosion.

The eyewitness further said Mr. Akpevweta, who was in the sitting room with his children, managed to run out of the building but died some minutes later due to the severe of burns he sustained.

These incidents, no doubt, call for caution on the part of users of gas cookers. Because of its highly inflammable nature, cooking gas of liquefied natural gas (LPG) needs to be handled with extreme caution. The gas cylinder, especially including gas cooker, must be well maintained and ascertained that it is in a good condition before being used to refill the product.

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According to the director Delta State Fire Service, Mr Eugene Oziwele, gas cylinders that are corroded, sandpapered and repainted are prone to explosion.

While condemning the attitude of some persons who usually refill their cylinders to the brim, the chief firefighter counselled that cylinders should be kept outside the house.

“As you sandpaper and repaint cylinders, the thickness of the metal is being reduced. That is one of the major issues,” Mr Oziwele explained.

Another issue, according to him, is the ignorance of those filling their cylinders to the brim.

“Gas is always in a random motion. If you have a 12kg cylinder, you don’t fill it with 12kg. You give some space. But people who refill their cylinders from these roadside sellers will fill them to the brim, which ought not to be. There should be room for airspace because of the random motion of the molecules.

“Again, if not for security issues, gas cylinders should not be kept in the house; it should be outside. Then you run the pipe from the outside to inside of your house.

“It is important to note that once you perceive any little smell of gas, you don’t light anything. You don’t even switch on your electricity.”

Mr Iziwele warned that even using the torch from mobile phone is very dangerous during a gas leakage.

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“The worst of it is using the torch of your phone; it is equivalent to striking a match where there is leakage of gas,” he explained, admonishing users of gas cookers not to attempt managing their cylinders or faulty cookers.

“If you discover your cylinder or gas cooker is having issues and you want to manage it, it is like sitting on the keg of gunpowder. You don’t manage anything gas because, once it happens, it is always explosive.

“And the difference between camping gas and the other is limited quantity of content. But camping gas can also explode if there is leakage or if the cylinder is weak. Once a weak cylinder is sprayed, you cannot get the same texture like when it was bought,” Izewele explained further.

Mr John Perede Akpoyibo, an engineer, safety advocate and community development leader, attributed the Warri and Ekpan explosions to the use of multiple gas cylinders in a confined space and the absence of safety equipment such as gas leak detectors and fire extinguishers.

Akpoyibo, who has been vocal about domestic safety, described the explosion as a completely avoidable tragedy, emphasising the urgent need for increased public education on the safe use of LPG gas in Nigerian homes. He called for safety campaigns and community training, stressing that every household must understand the risks involved in improper gas handling.

“This is not just an unfortunate incident, it is a call to action. We must stop playing with fire. The use of LPG must come with education, preparation, and prevention,” Akpoyibo urged.

How domestic gas explosions wiped out members of two families in Delta

Related Topics:delta families gas explosions

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Niger: Police Officer Killed, NSCDC Vehicle Burned in Clash with Suspected Illegal Miners

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February 12, 2026

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Niger: Police Officer Killed, NSCDC Vehicle Burned in Clash with Suspected Illegal Miners

A police officer was allegedly killed and a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) patrol vehicle set ablaze following a violent confrontation with suspected illegal miners in Zunzungi, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The attack has raised concerns over growing security risks in mining communities across the state.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m., when a joint team of NSCDC personnel and Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers encountered a group of miners engaged in unauthorized extraction of minerals, including monazite, locally referred to as “zeiko.” The security team reportedly seized mined minerals, prompting the miners to launch an aggressive attack.

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During the clash, PC Emmanuel Samson, a police officer attached to MOPOL 12, Police Mobile Force Minna, was allegedly beaten to death by the assailants. The attackers also burned a Hilux patrol vehicle used by the NSCDC and police team and reportedly stole the officer’s rifle, escalating the violence.

Following the attack, security operatives intensified patrols in the area to apprehend suspects and restore order. Residents of Zunzungi and surrounding communities were advised to remain indoors while investigations and recovery operations continue.

This incident highlights persistent security challenges linked to illegal mining activities in Niger State. Analysts say that clashes between miners and law enforcement personnel have become increasingly frequent in recent years, often resulting from disputes over unregulated mining operations and attempts to protect licensed mining sites.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing arrests or follow-up actions, but both the Niger State Police Command and the NSCDC are expected to launch thorough investigations into the deadly confrontation.

Niger: Police Officer Killed, NSCDC Vehicle Burned in Clash with Suspected Illegal Miners

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Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

Published

24 minutes ago

February 12, 2026

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Immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from presiding over two high-profile EFCC cases involving former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN). The judge cited personal reasons and the interest of justice for his recusal, a procedural development that comes as the court was set to hear both a civil asset forfeiture suit and a 16-count money laundering charge against Malami and his family.

The cases were reassigned to Justice Egwuatu by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court after previously being handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge during the festive period. The recusal follows the civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, including residential estates, hotels, school buildings, and commercial properties spread across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.

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Malami, his wife, and son are facing charges of money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion, for which they were granted bail of ₦500 million each with two sureties by Justice Nwite. The bail conditions require submission of travel documents and ownership of landed property in Abuja, specifically in Asokoro, Maitama, and Gwarinpa.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Egwuatu formally informed the court of his inability to continue hearing the matters, emphasizing that his withdrawal ensures fairness and integrity in the judicial process. The case files have been returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to a new judge.

The EFCC civil forfeiture case was initially filed to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while the criminal charges relate to allegations of financial misconduct during Malami’s tenure as AGF. Legal analysts say that the reassignment, while routine, could lead to temporary delays in hearings, but it will not affect the substance or merits of the cases.

Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal highlights the sensitive nature of high-profile cases involving public office holders and underscores the Federal High Court’s commitment to maintaining judicial impartiality. Neither the EFCC nor Malami has issued immediate comments regarding the recusal, but proceedings are expected to resume once a new judge is appointed.

Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

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NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

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February 12, 2026

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NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) on Thursday staged a protest at the NAFDAC office in Isolo, Lagos, demanding the reversal of the agency’s ban on sachet and PET-bottled alcoholic beverages. The union claims the ban contradicts a directive reportedly issued by the Federal Government, and they want production lines that were sealed to be immediately reopened.

The protesters, including manufacturers, distributors, and industry workers, argued that the enforcement of the ban threatens jobs, livelihoods, and the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on sachet alcohol sales. During the demonstration, union members handed a petition to NAFDAC officials, urging dialogue and a more balanced approach that safeguards both public health and the food and beverage sector.

NUFBTE cited alleged instructions from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, claiming that NAFDAC should suspend enforcement. The union said continued closure of production lines and restriction of alcohol sales would lead to economic hardship and widespread job losses.

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However, NAFDAC rejected the claims, with Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stating that no federal directive has instructed the agency to halt the ban. In a statement, the regulator described circulating reports as “false” and “misleading,” emphasizing that its actions are within statutory authority and in line with official government policies.

“NAFDAC has not received any formal directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities concerning sachet alcohol,” the statement read. The agency reiterated its commitment to public health protection, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety, warning the public and industry stakeholders to rely on verified information from official channels.

The ban, implemented earlier this month, targets alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200ml, a measure aimed at reducing unregulated alcohol consumption and protecting vulnerable groups. While the policy has faced backlash from workers and businesses, NAFDAC maintains that it is necessary for national health and safety.

The protest underscores the tension between regulatory enforcement and economic concerns, as workers continue to call for inclusive policymaking and engagement with industry stakeholders to mitigate the impact on jobs and local businesses.