The Lagos State Police Command has said it will order the arrest of all those involved in the distribution of kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, as an event held in Lagos at the weekend.
This was as the Lagos State has ordered the closure of the event centre, even as it also vowed to investigate and prosecute those involved in the act.
The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, in a release, “Re: Viral Video Showing Distribution of PMS As Souvenir,” described the action of the perpetrators as regrettable and reprehensible.
He said, though the affected event centre has been closed down, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alabi, has, in addition, ordered the arrest of all persons involved in the act.
“Attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a video going viral in the social media in which some individuals and organisers of an event were seen giving out some kegs containing PMS (petrol) as souvenirs.
“It’s regrettable that, in spite of series of warnings and sensitisations carried out by the Police and other relevant government agencies, some individuals could be handling such combustible substance in a public place in total disregard to safety of lives and properties.
“Still concerned about the safety, and protection of lives and properties of citizens, the Lagos State Police Command once again appeals to citizens to avoid this kind of condemnable act in the name of generosity.
“Although the event centre where the distribution of the souvenirs took place has been located and subsequently sealed, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, has in addition, ordered the arrest of all persons involved in this regrettable and reprehensible act,” the release stated.
In a related development, the Lagos State government, in a separate release by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said such an act is dangerous and can lead to loss of lives and property.
Omotoso stated that the state government is investigating the incident, with a view to making all those involved to be held accountable for their action.
“The attention of the Lagos State government has been drawn to a video showing kegs of petrol being handed out as souvenirs at an event centre in Lagos. The video has gone viral on social media.
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“There is no doubt that this action is dangerous and can lead to loss of lives and property. It is blatantly against all safety measures in such places.
“The Lagos State government, through the Safety Commission, is investigating this matter and will ensure that all parties to this reprehensible action are made to account for it.
“The safety of lives and property of Lagosians and visitors remain a top priority to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
“We, therefore, advise that actions that can lead to loss of lives and property be avoided,” the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy stated in the release.
