The Delta government on Friday sealed a gas plant over an outbreak of seizures leading to the death of a student in a close-by school.

The gas plant closure followed the report of an emergency committee comprising representatives of the ministry of basic and secondary education, the health ministry and the management of Mary Mount College.

On July 16, 10 students of Mary Mount College, near Handeskia Gas Plant in Boji-Boji, Agbor, were suspected of having signs of strange ailments and seizures due to gas emission.

One of the affected students died a few weeks after her parents took her to the hospital.

Mr Godspower Asiuwhu, the commissioner for the environment, warned the gas company that the government would impose stiffer sanctions if the seal was broken.

“The activities of the company have posed ecological and health threat to students of Mary Mount College, Agbor, situated in the environs. The management of Handeskia Oil and Gas should desist from causing havoc to residents of the host community,” Mr Asiuwhu said.

The commissioner frowned upon the unruly behaviour of the company’s staff.

According to him, the government will set up a task force to monitor the gas company’s activities to ensure it does not return to business.

“Since the activities carried out by the company were endangering the lives of residents, there is every need to seal the gas company and put a stop to all their activities,” said Victor Ebonka, chairman of the Ika North East local government area. 

He stated that the council had earlier sealed the gas company twice and each time unsealed the premises.

(NAN)