Victim of Niger Biscuit Explosion Dies in Hospital

Chiemelie Ezeobi and Rebecca Ejifoma

Following the explosion at Niger Biscuit factory located along Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos, one of the victims has reportedly died in the hospital.

The deceased, who was identified as Godwin Tonte, died from the severe burns he sustained after the explosion that occurred on Sunday, March 20.

Godwin, who was the only child of his parents, was said to have resumed work that morning as a security guard, when one of the gas tanks in the factory exploded.

Although he, alongside two other fire fighters were rushed to the Tincan Island Hospital in Apapa, he later died from complications.

According to one of his colleagues, the severity of his burns was so much so that his skin kept peeling off even before they rushed him to the hospital.

A colleague of the deceased who asked not to be named said, “He kept screaming and screaming that he was in pains. When we got to the bridge at Liverpool, he jumped into the canal.

“When I tried to hold his hand in order to drag him out, his skin pulled off. We all declared it a miracle when he was finally stabilised at the hospital because the burns on him were quite severe. I blame the fire fighters for responding late.”

Popular comedian, Aletile Oluwaseyitan, popularly known as Seyi Law, took to his Instagram page to mourn the deceased.

Underneath the picture of the deceased on his hospital bed he wrote, “I lost Goddy. I miss your smiles and love. I love you so much. Oh Goddy, Adieu. You exhibited so much courage. Stay well in a better place. RIP my brother, Godwin Tonte.”

“Where do I start from? How do I explain it? You were an only child. You were more than a brother. You respected me so much no one would have ever known you were just a year younger.
“You left my heart heavy. Tears are dropping not because you are gone but for how much you encouraged us you will be better.

“You showed strength and love beyond words. Oh Goddy why you? Godwin Tonte, my brother, my reliable eyes.
“Words fail me. Rest on. With the pains of the gas explosion wounds, you urged me to go and perform and kill them with laughter at AY live show.

“I did it, Goddy, but I can tell you the story now. I climbed the stage with your pains in my heart making others laugh while I shed tears.”