At least 20 individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident that took place in Omoku, Rivers State’s Ogba/Egebema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Sunday morning when a group of young individuals allegedly vandalized a pipeline belonging to an international oil company operating in the region. Subsequently, they began collecting petroleum using jerry cans and buckets, resulting in a devastating explosion.
While 20 individuals are feared to have perished, numerous others sustained severe burns and are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the vicinity. This incident is truly distressing, as the loss of 20 lives is an immense tragedy. It has been reported that the pipeline was damaged by a group of youths.
According to an anonymous source, numerous injured individuals can be found in both government and private hospitals in Omoku, including the General Hospital and other private clinics. The source also revealed that the cause of the inferno was suspected oil thieves attempting to light mosquito coils.
The pipeline responsible for the leakage was reportedly outdated and belonged to one of the oil companies operating in the area. Emeka Ukwuosah, the chairman of Niger Delta Youth Movement, ONELGA chapter, urged the youth in the area to participate in productive activities and avoid oil bunkering. He also called upon the security agencies to take action and monitor the situation within that particular circle.
Furthermore, we are also urging the multinational corporations that own the oil facilities to renovate their deteriorating infrastructure in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
According to Emeka Agbabere, the Assistant Secretary of the Onelga Security Peace Advisory Council, the incident was caused by illegal oil bunkering. Agbabere revealed that the vigilante group, along with the Community Development Committee and local youths, were instructed by a monarch in the area to put an end to oil bunkering activities.
However, Agbabere expressed disappointment that despite numerous campaigns to discourage illegal bunkering, the desired outcome has not been achieved. He stated, “We made it clear that they must cease these activities, and this is the consequence. When they tampered with the pipeline, a fire broke out immediately, resulting in the instant death of 19 individuals and approximately 12 others in two different hospitals.”
When approached for comment, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, stated that the incident had not been officially reported. She assured that she would investigate the matter and provide an update to our reporter.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko had not fulfilled her promise to provide an update.
