Residents of Kafam Village, Rido community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have vowed to take Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporation (KRPC) to three international courts following the accidental leakage of Hydrogen Fluoride gas, a highly toxic and corrosive chemical, into the atmosphere. This emission, attributed to staff negligence, has severely impacted the local environment and residents’ health.
In a press conference, President of the Gbagyi Development Union (GDU), Ishaya Tanko Damina, detailed the catastrophic effects of the leaked gas, which immediately polluted the air, causing crops to wither and leading to widespread health issues such as convulsions, fainting, and vomiting among the villagers.
Damina further explained that KRPC has shown no concern or willingness to address the incident, which occurred on August 28, 2024. Despite the intervention of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, who facilitated the hospitalisation of nine affected residents, the refinery management remains unresponsive to the crisis.
This is not the first environmental incident involving KRPC. The village has experienced multiple accidents, including oil spills, since the 1990s. Damina condemned KRPC’s “arrogant, nonchalant, and irresponsible” attitude towards these recurring incidents, highlighting the toxic impacts of Hydrogen Fluoride, which include plant destruction, water contamination, respiratory issues, and severe medical conditions for the affected residents.
The GDU has demanded the immediate evacuation of villagers, environmental cleanup, and adequate medical care. If these actions are not taken promptly, the Gbagyi people are prepared to take legal action, which may involve cases brought before the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the African Court of Human and Peoples Rights, and the International Court of Justice.
“We will no longer tolerate KRPC’s arrogant insensitivity and negligence. We demand an unreserved apology and are exploring all possible measures to prevent mass deaths,” Damina warned, calling on international environmental organizations and the Red Cross for urgent assistance.
