Tension as gas explosion rocks National Theatre in Lagos

There was mild tension after a gas explosion rocked the National Arts Theatre in the Igamu area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

The inferno which started around 10 pm on Saturday was caused by gas cylinders in the building.

However, the fire was contained and no casualties were recorded.

Speaking with journalists at the scene of the incident, the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Amodu Shakiru, said efforts are ongoing to contain the spread of the fire.

He said, “There’s been an exploded gas cylinder resulting in a fire which the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is managing within the National Arts Theatre.”

The current fire incident at the National Arts Theatre is the third fire incident reported in the last seven days in Lagos State.

Similarly, no fewer than four persons reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries as fire gutted Fat Noble filling station, an independent marketing oil firm along Old Road, opposite Torikoh, Badagry, Lagos State, on Wednesday, December 27.

Also, several shops and goods were destroyed following a gas explosion that occurred at a market at the Council bus stop in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the incident at the National Theatre might affect any events scheduled for New Year’s Eve at the venue.

In another development, operatives of the Kogi State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and local vigilantes, have rescued 24 victims kidnapped on Friday, 29th December, 2023 within Adogo axis, under Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP William Ovye Aya in Lokoja, on Sunday.

The statement said, “consequent upon the upsurge of kidnapping activities along Ajaokuta-Adogo-Okene road, where some students and staff of Comprehensive High School, Ajaokuta and other travellers were abducted on 29th December, 2023, the Area Commander Ajaokuta, ACP Ayodele Ola Arogbo promptly swung into action.

“He led a combined team of police, military and local vigilantes to the scene, and while combing the bush, three victims were rescued, including one of the students”.

He added that on Saturday, 30th December, 2023, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State deployed an additional tactical squad, which consists of the Quick Response Unit to the area to join the Team led by SP Sule Musa, Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta Division.

According to him, the team continued with the bush combing and ensured the remaining victims were rescued.

He said the team were also instructed to ensure that the hoodlums were apprehended and brought to deserved justice.

“While the team was combing the bush, the hoodlums sighted them from their hideout, opened fire at them. During a gun duel that ensued, owing to the superior firepower of the team, the hoodlums were forced to flee and abandon their victims.

“While 21 victims, including eleven 11 students and three teachers were rescued unhurt, efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects,” he added.

The Commissioner of Police while commending the efforts of the team, assured the people of a continued onslaught against criminal elements.

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