Fuel explosive in Torit town left several people injured
By Isaac Vuni
Jan 25, 2007 (TORIT) — Fuel Explosion rock Torit town today, Thursday January 25th 2007, and left several people injured as they ran for cover
Many business men and women including government officials abandon their working premises and offices for about 50 minutes on fears of further explosion. Properties worth millions of Sudanese pounds were destroyed in the blast.
The County Police Inspector, Col. Benedict Kiliona, said, “I had to call for help from the United Nations Mission in Sudan forces because there are no fire fighters in Torit town” It took UNMIS rescue forces more than one hours to extinguish the fire.
According to police investigation source, the fire started inside the fuel store at 9.30 am when Mr. Attari Luice, care taker of the store was selling fuel atTorit bus station while his brother Mr. Santo Luice, owner of the fuel store, was said to have gone to Uganda for more supply.
The police said they are investigating Mr. Attari Luice and the owner of the fuel store that was situated in the middle of the market together with Torit town council officers in charge of stall allotment for negligence offences.
Among items destroyed were 50 drums of diesel, one drums of petrol, four drums of engine oil, 105 crate of beer, 120 crate of soft drink and 24 iron sheets.
In another development, a group of ten people, alleged to have been led by the body guard of Governor Alosio Emor Ojetuk attacked, last night, the house of former State Minister of Finance, Mr.Paul Oding Dominic whose wife, allegedly was beaten by the ten women who encroached inside their compound at Inkas (Ilangi) residential area, about 800 meters from the house of the Governor.
Speaking to journalists after recording statement with police at 11 am, the former minister of finance, Mr.Paul Oding, claim that the body guard of Governor Ojetuk, who’s one name he said is Mr. Alam, threaten to evict them from their own house unless they move out ofTorit.
It is to be recalled that recently, the former finance minister was given 24 hours to vacate government house he was occupying in Torit and he moved out Monday 15th January, a day before the visit of The First Vice President of the Republic and President of government of southern Sudan, Lt. General Salva Kiir Mayardit to Torit.
There are speculations that Mr. Paul Oding is likely to be appointed the next governor, replacing Ojetuk. However, there is no official report from Goss president yet.
The Interim State Legislative recently demanded, before President Kiir, for thorough investigation on corruption allegation implicating the former finance minister. whom they also accused Governor Ojetuk on human rights abuse inflicted on the former finance minister by police under order of Governor of EES.
However, President Kiir advised the Legislators and the Executive to work together. Is to be noted that the Interim state Legislative Assembly had been wrangling with Governor Ojetuk over management of state resources since mid October last year.
President Kiir also hinted that those appointed officials who prove to be unproductive will have to be replaced soon.
He further directed EES governor to consider women participation in his cabinet, because, he said, it’s the policy of the SPLM/A granting women 25% at all levels of recruitment or appointment and it has been stipulated in the CPA.
(ST)