Explosion During Oil Bunkering In Imo State: Death Toll Rises 

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

According to an eyewitness, contrary to reports that over 100 people may have lost their lives, the figure was more. It was also gathered that the hospitals in the area were filled with victims with various degrees of injuries and many died on the way to the hospital with their corpses deposited at the mortuaries while many got burnt beyond recognition. 

The cause of the fire incident was not yet known as many survivors in the community were still in great shock to discuss the matter over the calamity, which really affected almost every family in the area. Some families were said to have retrieved the burnt corpses of the victims and buried them immediately. 

Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Goodluck Opiah, who spoke on behalf of the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, during on the spot assessment to the scene, said the fire claimed the lives of a large number of young people.

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”. 
According to Opiah, the owner of the illegal refinary, Okenze Onyewoke, has been declared wanted by the Imo State Government.

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”.