Explosion at Illegal Oil Facility in Rivers State Kills Five

Tragedy Strikes Omoku Community

Rivers State, Nigeria – A devastating explosion at a store housing illegally refined petroleum products in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, has claimed the lives of five individuals. The victims, including four women and one man, were reportedly burnt beyond recognition in the incident that occurred on Saturday, April 26.

Inferno Destroys Building, Advocacy Group Demands Action

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the explosion resulted in a fire that completely destroyed the building. Dr. Fyneface Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, stated:

“The inferno occurred in a house where people purchased and stored illegally refined petroleum products including condensate for resale in the area.”

Local youth volunteers reported the incident to YEAC-Nigeria, prompting calls for immediate investigation into the tragedy.

Calls for Legalization of Artisanal Refineries

Dr. Fyneface used the opportunity to renew his appeal to the Federal Government to legalize artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta region. He proposed:

• Implementation of the Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI)
• Establishment of modular refineries for artisanal refiners

The advocacy group also warned residents against involvement in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and trading in illegally refined petroleum products.

Related Incident: Fubara Denies Involvement in Oil Facility Explosions

This tragedy follows recent gas explosions in Rivers State that led to President Tinubu declaring a state of emergency. Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied any connection to militant groups allegedly behind the explosions, calling for thorough investigations by security agencies.

Source: Legit.ng