Airtel Nigeria has reacted to the fire incident at a Base Transceiver Station ((BTS Lag 767) in Abaranje area of Ikotun, Lagos State, that services its network.
Background
A human rights lawyer, Dr. Olubunmi Odeniyi, had petitioned Airtel Networks Limited over the inferno which engulfed its base station at Ikotun, Lagos killing one Chidi Emmanuel while inflicting “severe life-changing burns” on four others.
In a letter dated 2nd April, 2024, Odeniyi stated that the lives of the victims who were passers-by and residents of the area “are presently at grave risk and danger.”
In his letter over the incident which occurred on March 19, Odeniyi demanded “that Airtel Networks Limited must immediately fly all our Four (4) Clients together with an assistant each to the UK or the USA to the best burns center available abroad and pay all medical and incidental fees.”
“Aside from Emmanuel who was killed by the explosion, Feranmi Nureni Oluwatoba, Saheed Adeleke, Franklin Obade and Saheed Raji were badly burnt during the incident”, the statement reads in part.
Airtel’s Response:
The telecom company said it has since engaged with the third-party company which manages the site for a full briefing on the remote and immediate cause of the event.
Mr. Femi Adeniran, director, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria explained in an official statement by the company, available to Techeconomy, thus:
“Airtel Nigeria is aware of the recent fire incident at a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in Abaranje Lagos that services our network. We have since engaged with the third-party company which manages the site for a full briefing on the remote and immediate cause of the event.
“It is imperative to note that, while the premises contain equipment owned by Airtel, the management and maintenance of the facility have been handled by third party partners since Airtel divested from direct tower management five years ago.
“As we round off our evaluation of the situation, we extend our deepest sympathies to the members of the community who have been impacted by the accident.
BTS site managers, Carville Integrated Ventures, speak:
Similarly, Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, the managers of the telecoms facility, has expressed sadness over the fire incident at Abaranje Base Station.
In a statement titled: ‘Fire Incident at Abaranje Base Station: Telecom Management Company Appeals for Cooperation and Safety Measures’, available to Techeconomy, the company said the incident, which occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulted in injuries to some individuals from the local community who “forcefully gained unauthorized access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.
“Despite this breach of access control by the impacted individuals, Carville, who has responsibility for the site management expresses its sympathy to the victims and has offered to provide healthcare support to them.
“The management of Carville Integrated Ventures extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families. Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.
Carville also emphasizes the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, stating, “We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”
Furthermore, Carville appealed to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Safety is our top priority, the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all,” the statement endorsed by O.F Raji, reads.
“Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence”.
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