Tragedy struck late Friday at Abaezi Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State at illegal bunkering site as fire engulfed with over 100 youths who are involved in refining feared burnt beyond recognition.
Abaezi Ohaji-Egbema is a location in
Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State where oil bunkering and refining has been a huge business for the locals especially the youths.
The fire Incident has been confirmed by Imo State government who spoke through its Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Hon. Goodluck Opiah.
Representing the State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Commissioner told journalists while on a visit to the scene that many refiners especially youths were roasted.
He said, “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.”
Opiah said Okenze Onyewoke, the owner of the illegal refinary, had been declared wanted by the government of Imo State.
He said, “apart from this calamity, the act has destroyed the aquatic life of the community. Our people before now are predominantly farmers and fishermen.
Opiah lamented the casualty, saying that the fire Incident in the illegal refinery should serve as a lesson to avoid a whole community being wiped off.
He revealed that most youths who are engaged in the illegal act hails from Rivers, Bayelsa and the neighbouring States, declaring that it was a sabotage that must be stopped at all cost.
Opiah appealed to the youths to desist from oil bunkering and illegal refining, noting that the consequences has always been disastrous.
He sympathised with the victims on behalf of the State government and pray God to give the family of those who lost their lives the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
