The Society for Reconciliation of Nigerians in Distress (SORENID) has suffered severe structural damage from the wreckage of a tanker explosion at Karu Bridge, Abuja, threatening its operations.
The explosion, which occurred on March 19, 2025, claimed the lives of at least nine individuals and torched approximately 30 vehicles. Although there were no deaths at SORENID, its CEO and founder, retired diplomat Amb. Uchenna Okafor, has been concerned about the poor condition of the facility, especially with the advent of the rainy season.
“In the next few weeks, after the rains, this place will be severely affected. It’s as if pulling down the ceiling,” Okafor lamented, pointing to the need for reconstruction.
Despite the extent of the damage, SORENID has not yet seen any emergency assistance from the government or relief agencies. Okafor clarified that since they are an NGO, they do not have the resources for rebuilding.
The cost of constructing this facility was not much, but now it is beyond our league to fix. No government organization or emergency organization has approached us to help us,” he explained.
The destruction has impacted the activities of SORENID, which include catering to vulnerable Nigerians, particularly the elderly and displaced. Workshops and meetings have been halted due to fear of safety concerns.
“People come here for meetings and services, but now no one feels safe. If it rains, we can’t carry out our activities,” Okafor said.
Nevertheless, SORENID remains committed to its mission of equipping young Nigerians with vocational skills as alternatives to irregular migration. The organization has trained shoemakers, barbers, and other professionals, sometimes with the help of international institutions like Germany’s development agency GIZ.
“We are not asking for compensation only support to recover and keep working. In the absence of intervention, our activities will come to an end,” Okafor emphasized.
With the rainy season approaching, SORENID is appealing to the government, private sector, and like-minded individuals to intervene and avert further losses to its vital humanitarian efforts.
Adeshina Olayinka, popularly known as Khadi, an Instagram cloth vendor, has been found dead at a hotel in the Akobo Read more
Tension As A Man Slump And Passes Away At The Side Of The Road. Unidentified man collapsed and perished on Read more
The Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, disapproves of the portrayal of the Eyo masquerade in the Nigerian film Gangs Read more
Another day, another swoon-worthy love story, and this time it's all about Feyi and Dipo! How these two lovers met Read more
Olawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.
