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Human Rights Lawyer Dr Olubunmi Odeniyi, Petitions Airtel Over Fatal Inferno at Ikotun Base Station.

Following a fatal inferno at Airtel’s Ikotun base station that claimed one life and left four others with severe burns, human rights lawyer Dr. Olubunmi Odeniyi has launched a legal battle against the telecom giant. In a letter addressed to Airtel’s Managing Director, Odeniyi highlights the company’s alleged negligence and failure to provide assistance to the victims. The petition emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and preventive measures to ensure the safety of telecommunications infrastructure and the well-being of citizens. Odeniyi warns of potential legal ramifications and calls for stringent safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Human Rights Lawyer Dr Olubunmi Odeniyi, Petitions Airtel Over Fatal Inferno at Ikotun Base Station.

In a concerning turn of events, a tragic inferno engulfed the Airtel Networks Limited base station in Ikotun, Lagos, claiming the life of Chidi Emmanuel and leaving four others with severe, life-altering burns.

The incident, which occurred on March 19, 2024, has prompted human rights lawyer Dr Olubunmi Odeniyi to take action, petitioning the telecom giant for its alleged negligence and failure to assist the victims.

In a letter dated April 2, 2024, addressed to the Managing Director of Airtel Networks Limited and received by the company on April 3, Odeniyi expressed grave concern for the well-being of the victims, asserting that their lives remain in jeopardy due to the severity of their injuries.

The letter, titled “Egregious Negligence of Your Company Causing Fire and Explosion Resulting in Severe Life-Changing Burns to Four (4) Victims,” highlights the urgent need for medical remediation and compensation.

The victims, aside from the tragic loss of Emmanuel, include Feranmi Nureni Oluwatoba, Saheed Adeleke, Franklin Obade, and Saheed Raji, all of whom suffered severe burns during the incident. Odeniyi alleges that Airtel’s agents negligently executed tasks, leading to the fire explosion, and further accuses the company of abandoning the victims without providing any medical care or support.

Despite being aware of the incident, Airtel has purportedly failed to engage with the victims or offer assistance. Odeniyi has demanded that Airtel immediately fly the victims abroad for urgent medical treatment or provide compensation for their injuries.

Airtel was given a seven-day ultimatum to commit to providing assistance, but the company has reportedly ignored all appeals.

In addition to seeking justice for the victims, Odeniyi has raised concerns about the potential legal ramifications of the incident. He warns that the base transceiver station (BTS) at the location could be considered a crime scene for investigation and highlights the risk of community unrest if operations at the BTS continue unchecked.

To prevent such disasters in the future, proactive measures must be taken to ensure the safety and integrity of telecommunications infrastructure. This includes implementing stringent safety protocols, conducting regular inspections and equipment maintenance, and providing comprehensive training for personnel involved in installation and maintenance tasks.

Additionally, companies like Airtel must prioritise responsiveness and accountability in their operations, promptly addressing any safety concerns or incidents that may arise.

The inferno and explosion occurred at the Airtel base transceiver station (BTS Lag 767) in Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos State. The victims’ plight highlights the urgent need for swift action and accountability in safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure and staff well-being.

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