Over 100 killed in an explosion at illegal  refinery in Imo

Post created on 9:32 am

More than 100 people died in an explosion at an illegal oil refinery in Abaezi community in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The fire outbreak occurred at an illegal bunkering site and it affected over 100 people who were burnt beyond recognition.

The state Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, told journalists at the crime scene that the state government had declared the owner of the illegal refinery, Okenze Onyenwoke, wanted.

He advised the suspect whom he said was on the run to surrender himself at the nearest police station.

The Commissioner said, “This is a sad development. The Imo State Government has declared wanted Okenze Onyenwoke, who owns this illegal refinery. I advise him to hand himself over to the police or any security agency

“This is wickedness; this is economic sabotage. It is also destroying our youths. I, therefore, call on the youths to go away from this kind of illegitimate business. There are so many legitimate businesses one could do to make genuine money.”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, has many illegal oil refineries despite government efforts to eradicate them.

Officials have in the past said Nigeria loses 200,000 barrels of crude oil a day because of theft and vandalism.