A tragic incident at an Airtel base station in Ikotun, Lagos has prompted a human rights lawyer, Dr. Olubunmi Odeniyi, to petition Airtel Networks Limited over the devastating inferno. The incident, which occurred on March 19, 2024, claimed the life of one individual, Chidi Emmanuel, and left four others with severe burns.
In a letter dated April 2, 2024, Dr. Odeniyi highlighted the “egregious negligence” of Airtel Networks Limited, stressing that the victims, including innocent passers-by and residents, are now facing grave risks to their lives. The lawyer demanded immediate action from the telecoms giant, including the transportation of the injured victims to top burns centers abroad and the coverage of all associated medical and incidental expenses.
Titled “EGREGIOUS NEGLIGENCE OF YOUR COMPANY CAUSING FIRE AND EXPLOSION AND RESULTING IN SEVERE LIFE-CHANGING BURNS TO FOUR (4) VICTIMS,” the letter was addressed to the Managing Director of Airtel Networks Limited and received by the company on April 3, 2024.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Airtel Networks Limited has allegedly failed to provide any assistance to the victims since the incident. Dr. Odeniyi expressed disappointment that the company has not shown up at the scene nor interacted with the victims to offer support.
The senior lawyer warned Airtel Networks Limited of the potential legal consequences, emphasizing that the base transceiver station (BTS) at the site of the incident could be considered a crime scene for investigation of criminal negligence.
Efforts by the human rights activist to engage with the company’s legal team or CEO to secure urgent medical care for the victims were reportedly rebuffed.
The inferno and explosion took place at the Airtel base transceiver station (BTS Lag 767) in Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos State, leaving a community in shock and mourning the loss of Chidi Emmanuel.
Dr. Odeniyi’s petition underscores the need for accountability and immediate action to address the plight of the victims and prevent further harm.
