NigeriaN Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, yesterday confirmed the death of four persons and 16 injured in kerosene explosions in the state.
Chairman of the association, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, made the confirmation during an interactive session with newsmen in Uyo.
Uwah said the figures were derived from casualties brought to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for treatment in rampant cases of adulterated kerosene explosions in many parts of the state.
“At least four have died. I can confirm that four people have died as at my record last week.
The chairman decried the rate at which innocent lives were lost in explosion caused by incessant cases of adulterated kerosene in the state.
Since the beginning of the year, there has been scarcity of the product leading to astronomical increase in its price. Kerosene is now being sold between N300 and N350 per litre wherever it is available.
“It is unacceptable that people will be dying like this for no just cause; these are avoidable deaths.’’
Uwah urged the relevant government regulatory agencies to curb the tide of adulterated kerosene in the state.
“Something needs to be done to check the marketers who are selling these products.
“All the agencies responsible in terms of petroleum products’ monitoring should do a lot more than what they are doing now.’’
He attributed the development to the high cost of kerosene and urged the Federal Government to address the situation to save the masses.
“Kerosene has been scarce for some time now and that’s what most people use in cooking and it is the commonest source of domestic fuel.
“So, if they cannot afford the high cost, they will resort to buying from cheaper sources.
“I know some people are exploiting the fact that there is scarcity and mixing some things and selling to people. Something urgent needs to be done.’’
According to him, the NMA has started advocacy visits and public enlightenment campaigns on how to test and identify adulterated kerosene.
“Right now, at the level of NMA, we have produced some jingles to create awareness in the state,’’ Uwah said.
He urged the media to assist the association in its advocacy and campaign against the use of adulterated kerosene in the state.