Tanker Explosion in Imo State: over 30 feared dead
More than 30 bodies were reported to have burned to ashes after a tanker suspected to be used by oil bunkers exploded in the forest of Obitti, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The tragedy occurred on Tuesday at the place described as the Ndorama pipeline right of way in the Obitti rubber estate of Ohaji/Egbema council of the state.
At press time, relatives of the victims provided different versions of what caused the explosion. Some said there was an exchange of gunfire between two groups trying to claim dominance of the area in the oil bunkering business. Others believed that leaders in charge of the oil bunkering business planned the attack that led to the explosion.
A community leader, who did not want his name mentioned, alleged that the victims trespassed into the territory of the illegal bunkering location said to be under the control of a kingpin, who is also said to be a politician.
According to a video by an eyewitness, he said, “Vandals came to vandalize the pipeline right of way. This place is called Ndorama pipeline right of way. They drove to the place in a tanker suspected to be used for illegal bunkering. They dug deep into the ground, located the pipeline, and tapped from it, emptying the oil into a tanker parked inside the bush.
“They used long hoses connected to the pipe, but unfortunately, luck ran out for them. It exploded and killed many of them. You can see some of them burnt to ashes. Some of them, their bodies are still burning. The tanker was still burning.”
Reacting, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the command had set up a high-powered investigation team to move in and unearth the immediate cause of the incident, as well as arrest the persons involved.
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