‘Why Ebonyi govt ordered closure of Shafa petrol station’

The Ebonyi State Government has shut down operations at Shafa Oil and Gas Station following safety concerns linked to a faulty storage tank.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Nnaemeka Nwafor, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the decision was taken after it was discovered that water had leaked into the station’s underground petrol tank.

Nwafor explained that the move was necessary to protect residents and motorists from potential hazards, as contaminated fuel could damage vehicles and pose environmental risks.

He said the development was brought to the government’s attention in the early hours of Sunday.

The special assistant said the effort by the government followed a report by a lawyer, Sampson Ekigbo.

How the petrol got contaminated
Mr Nwafor said the investigation revealed that a weakened casket in the tank system allowed water to seep in, thereby contaminating the stored petrol.

He said in response, the state government “moved swiftly” to shut down the station until the situation was resolved.

“We encourage residents to ignore any news or information orchestrated to instil fear and speculation regarding the quality and safety of petroleum products in the state,” Mr Nwafor said.

“Consumers are advised to continue making purchases from other filling stations while the issue at Shafa is being addressed.”

The special assistant warned those spreading misleading information about petroleum products in the state to stop immediately.

He argued that Mr Nwifuru’s administration remains committed to fulfilling its mandate as mentioned in the People’s Charter of Needs.

Mr Nwafor explained that the sealing of the station was a precautionary step to protect consumers and ensure public confidence in the safety of petroleum products available across Ebonyi.

The petrol station was sealed following a video clip that surfaced on social media showing a driver of the state-owned transport company, Ebonyi Transport Company, complaining of the poor quality of petrol purchased from the station.

The driver was heard in the clip explaining that he bought petrol from the station only to find out it was watery, which later resulted in the vehicle stopping a few metres from the station.

(PremiumTimes)