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.

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.

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.

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.

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.