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Gbagyi Union Blames KRPC for Gas Leak, Calls for Evacuation

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The Gbagyi Development Union (GDU) in Kaduna State has voiced deep concern over the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation’s (KRPC) lack of response after the release of hydrogen fluoride gas into the atmosphere more than two weeks ago.

This dangerous, highly toxic, and corrosive chemical was accidentally emitted by refinery staff, posing severe health risks to the residents of Kafam.

Despite the immediate threat, KRPC has yet to take action, further frustrating the local community.

In a statement issued by Barr. Ishaya Tanko Damina, president of the GDU, the group condemned KRPC’s inaction.

Damina explained that, although federal agencies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have shown concern, KRPC management insists they will only act after testing is completed.

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The GDU sees this as a troubling delay in addressing the health and environmental impacts caused by the August 28, 2024, incident.

This is not the first time Kafam has suffered from hazardous chemical leaks.

According to the GDU, there have been six similar incidents since the 1990s, leading to the destruction of farmlands and the death of aquatic life in nearby streams, particularly the River Romi.

Despite these ongoing environmental crises, the KRPC management has shown little interest in resolving the problem or taking measures to prevent future occurrences.

Damina criticized the refinery’s leadership for their “arrogant, nonchalant, irresponsible, and insensitive” attitude toward the disaster.

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The union emphasized the severity of hydrogen fluoride gas emissions, which can cause immediate harm to both the environment and human health.

The recent gas leak led to the withering of plants and crops, contamination of local water sources, and severe respiratory issues for those exposed.

During a visit to Kafam, members of the commissioner’s team reported experiencing difficulty breathing.

Additionally, on September 2, 2024, nine people were hospitalized with symptoms including greenish stooling and vomiting.

Drawing a grim comparison to the destruction caused by the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, Damina underscored the urgent need for KRPC to recognize the gravity of the situation.

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Hydrogen fluoride is a potent chemical that requires an immediate and robust emergency response, but KRPC’s apparent indifference has left the community vulnerable.

In response to the crisis, the GDU has issued a series of demands aimed at protecting Kafam’s residents and environment.

They called for the immediate evacuation of villagers to minimize further exposure to the toxic gas, as well as a full-scale cleanup of the affected area.

Additionally, the group insists that KRPC provide urgent medical care to those impacted and decontaminate the affected individuals.

The union also stressed the need for ongoing medical monitoring of both the population and the farmlands to identify any long-term health effects from the incident.

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They highlighted the importance of educating nearby communities about the dangers posed by hydrogen fluoride gas leaks and how best to respond in case of future accidents.

Soil and water bodies affected by the emission must be given immediate attention, and adequate compensation should be provided to victims, especially for the loss of farm crops.

With fears of mass deaths, birth defects, and future deformities looming, the GDU urged the KRPC management to take responsibility and act quickly.

The ongoing disregard for the well-being of Kafam’s residents, they warned, could have catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed.


 

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NCDC Raises Concerns Over Lassa Fever Spread Across the Country

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC) raises awareness on the spread of Lassa Fever, it was reported the cases keep on increasing.

The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris reveals the amount of cases and death concerning the Lassa Fever. He stated that 9,492 suspected cases have been raised across the six states in the country, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and Ebonyi.

NCDC states that guidelines and awareness of the fever is now being provided in order to reduce the spread of the disease. Healthcare works have been advised to practice prevention protocols when handling suspected cases.


 

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Zamfara Lifts Mining Ban And Opens Door to Economic Growth and Investment

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Alake Dele has made a significant announcement on his X handle, sharing the exciting news that the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State has finally been lifted after over five years of restrictions.

This decision marks a turning point for the state, which is rich in valuable mineral resources like gold, lithium, and copper.

The lifting of the ban comes after notable security improvements, allowing the government to focus on the potential economic benefits that mining can bring to the region and the country at large.

The ban, which was imposed several years ago, was originally put in place to tackle growing security concerns linked to illegal mining activities and the rise of banditry in the region.

These illegal operations were not only harming the environment but also fueling criminal activity.

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However, despite the ban’s intentions, it inadvertently allowed illegal miners to continue exploiting the state’s vast mineral resources.

With security improving, the government has now decided it is the right time to lift the ban and regulate mining activities properly.

Alake Dele emphasized that this decision will enable the mining sector in Zamfara to contribute more significantly to the national economy.

“The state’s vast mineral wealth, particularly gold, lithium, and copper, can now be properly explored and mined, creating opportunities for both the state and the country,” he stated.

The goal is to ensure that mining activities are carried out legally, with better oversight and regulation to combat illegal mining and associated crimes more effectively.

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Peter Obi Defends Palliative Organizers and Blames Leaders for Tragedy

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Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and a key figure in Nigerian politics, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic events linked to the distribution of palliatives.

The incidents, which resulted in the loss of lives, have created grief and criticism, noticing the dire levels of hunger and poverty gripping the nation.

Taking to his X handle, Obi shared his heartfelt condolences with the affected families, communities, and states, describing the incidents as a reflection of systemic failures in governance.

One of the notable developments surrounding this tragedy is the arrest of organizers behind a palliative distribution program in Oyo State.

The initiative, spearheaded by Zainab Otiti Obanor, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has come under scrutiny following the chaos that unfolded during the event.

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In his statement, Peter Obi made a passionate appeal to the government, urging them to reconsider their actions.

He emphasized that acts of goodwill, even when accompanied by unforeseen consequences, should not be treated as criminal offences.

According to Obi, the intent behind such initiatives is to provide relief to citizens, not to cause harm.

Zainab Otiti Obanor, a prominent philanthropist, has often been involved in charitable activities aimed at alleviating suffering in society.

Her efforts in Oyo State were meant to ease the hardship faced by residents, yet the tragic turn of events reflects the harsh realities of desperation among the people.

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Obi pointed out that the blame for such occurrences should not rest on individuals attempting to make a difference but on the systemic failures of leadership that have caused hardship.


 

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