Inside Story: Saved but Scared story.
Fire accidents have become a perennial tragedy in our state. If it’s not a home going up in flames, it’s a market, an office, an entire community, or even a boat on water. Yes, fire on water.
This was the nightmare that unfolded for Mr. John, a local boat transporter, on May 5, 2022. His boat, a massive wooden vessel the size of a building, was aInside Story Saved but Scared story. lifeline for traders and market women, ferrying goods from the hinterlands to the city. But that day, his life changed forever.
At exactly 8:00 a.m. at the Nembe Jetty, John was in the basement arranging goods for distribution when a sudden explosion shattered the morning calm. He turned in shock, fire had erupted. Thick smoke filled the air, flames spread rapidly, and in an instant, panic set in. He had to escape, fast.
“I was already in the basement of the boat about to take off, when I heard a sudden explosion which followed with a heavy smoke, before I knew it fire had surrounded everyone”
In most fire emergencies, response is either too slow or completely absent. Both state and federal fire services have a reputation for arriving late, and even when they eventually show up, it’s often with empty water tanks. In cases like this, on a boat, floating on oil-spilled water, the situation is catastrophic.
Many have died, and goods worth millions of naira lost to this tragic occurrences.
John was among the few who survived that inferno. But as he struggled to come to terms with his trauma, he faced a new horror, security officials weren’t there to help. Instead, they were looking for people to arrest, exploiting the disaster as an opportunity to extort money.
Corruption runs deep, and those meant to protect lives and property often end up making life even more unsafe for ordinary citizens.
“I was surprised to see Police Officers looking for people to arrest, although exploitation is a normal thing here with the police and other uniformed men, but I was dying people were dying, it wasn’t the right time for this to be happening”
Despite his injuries, John could have been arrested if not for the swift intervention of his family. They whisked him away from the scene. But the damage had already been done, his legs were severely burned, his skin peeling off like a piece of cloth.
For fear of being arrested, his family had to hire a nurse to treat him at home. The hospital was not an option.
“My family had to take me home instead of going to the hospital, because the security men were looking for victims to arrest in the name of investigation, and you know them, it’s all about money”
Medical treatment cost him over N200,000. Money he didn’t have. The nurse initially demanded N150,000, but when he couldn’t keep up with payments, she stopped treating him. This reflects a broader reality.
Access to quality healthcare remains a luxury, reserved for the wealthy. Even health practitioners, like security agents, prioritize money over human lives.
“When I couldn’t continue to pay the agreed fee, the Nurse stopped coming to treat me”
His wife became his caregiver, staying up at night to ease his pain.
John recalled that the pains was unbearable and his legs stank.
For a year, he couldn’t work. He relied entirely on family and friends for survival.
“If not for this woman, I would have even died, she stood by me, helping me get treated for over a year, I owe her a lot”
But even after all this, John is back at the jetty, back on the boat.
In his word, “If I stop, I no go fit get food,” he says. “The only thing I dey do every day na to ask God for help. Accident no dey announce itself before e happen.”
There was no government assistance. No agency reached out. He had to fend for himself.
The Borokiri Fire Station has recently been renovated to meet international standards, but will it truly serve its purpose or become just another fancy site?
What fire prevention plans does the government have? Are boat users insured for such disasters? If so, how do they access help? If not, why? And what regulations exist to ensure such incidents are minimized?”
These are questions we must ask. As events unfold, we will be watching.
Prince Nosa, reporting
