Explosion rocks illegal oil refining site in Imo

Scores of people are feared to have been killed following an explosion at an illegal oil refining site in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo state.

The incident, which was said to have started around 11pm on Friday, resulted in a fire outbreak at Abaezi forest in Ohaji/Egbema area.

Speaking on the incident, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, said many youths lost their lives to the fire.

Uzodimma, who was represented by Goodluck Opiah, commissioner for petroleum resources, said Okenze Onyewoke, the owner of the illegal refining site, had been declared wanted by the state government.

“At the moment, I can’t really confirm the number of the deceased because many family members have removed the corpses of so many others,” he said.

“Apart from this calamity, the act has destroyed the aquatic life in the community. Our people before now are predominantly farmers and fishermen.

“Look around, you’ll find smoke coming from this illegal act. If this is not enough for any person to stop, I think the community is heading for what I can’t describe.

“Most of the people who are engaging in this act are from Rivers, Bayelsa and other neighbouring states and it is sabotage for our people to allow this illegal activity to continue.”

He sympathised with the families of the deceased and warned residents to stop engaging in such illicit activity.