Many Killed In Illegal Crude Oil Refinery Fire in Imo
Imo State has been thrown into mourning as many people were killed after fire engulfed an illegal crude oil refining site in the Abaezi forest, in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
Witnesses disclosed that the incident occurred around 11pm on Friday but residents of the area woke up to see the huge flames on Saturday morning.
However, it remains uncertain how many people were on the site when it ignited but figures from witnesses noted that it range from 50 to over 100.
A source said people were unable to go close to the bush at first because of raging fire, but video records of scene of the illegal refinery, described the extent of the deadly blaze’s impact-charred equipment, vehicles, and human remains littered the scene, while many others sustained serious burns.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has commiserated with the families of affected victims and warned that running an illegal refinery in the area amounted to economic sabotage to the state and the nation and a criminal act which all should desist from.
The governor warned those still in the business of running illegal refinery in the state to stop forthwith or face the wrath of the law.
Earlier this month, the Nigerian Navy launched an operation- Dakatar Da Barawo or ‘Stop the Thief to combat the threat of illegal refinery.
The Navy said the operation had recorded successes with about N200m worth of crude oil products seized from thieves in oil producing states in two weeks.
A statement issued by the spokesman of the Navy, Comodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, read in part: “These arrests and seizures from the ongoing OPDDB have denied oil thieves and criminals of about N200 million and $700,000 worth of products within roughly two weeks,”
“It is indicative of the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to ensure zero tolerance for COT, illegal bunkering and related economic crimes in the Nation’s maritime area and the South-South geopolitical zone in particular.”
He added that the operation follows raids and crackdowns on illegal refineries in Rivers and other places in the South-South.
