The Rivers State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic explosion that resulted in multiple fatalities at an illegal oil refining site in the Ibaa community, located in the Emuoha Local Government Area of the state. This move comes as authorities seek to uncover the underlying cause of the devastating inferno, which initial findings suggest may have resulted from pipeline vandalism. The police have pledged to apprehend those responsible for this incident and ensure that they face legal consequences for their actions.
Previously, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Olufemi Ayodele, confirmed the tragic event in a statement issued on Monday. According to Ayodele, the explosion resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals who were so severely burnt that they could not be recognized. Additionally, 25 injured victims were rescued from the scene.
However, the Rivers State Police Command has provided updated information, stating that 15 individuals lost their lives in the incident, while 20 others sustained various degrees of injuries. The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, conveyed this revised information in a statement released on Wednesday morning.
This tragic explosion has cast a spotlight on the dangers associated with illegal oil refining activities and pipeline vandalism in the region, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to combat these illicit practices and protect the lives and property of citizens.
The statement by the police which describes the incident as devastating was titled, ‘Rivers State Police Command Addresses Fatal Pipeline Fire Tragedy’.
It reads, “The Rivers State Police Command issues an official update regarding the recent pipeline fire incident:
“On Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 23:30 hours, the Rivers State Police Command received distress information about a tragic fire explosion at Ibaa community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. Regrettably, 15 individuals, among them a pregnant woman, lost their lives in this devastating incident, while an additional 20 people suffered various degrees of burn injuries.
“These casualties were a result of an explosion at an oil pipeline owned by a major oil company, which had been illegally accessed for crude oil extraction within a forested area.
“Swift response by the police patrol team from Rumuji Division promptly arrived at the scene.
“They documented the incident with photographs and also facilitated a dignified evacuation of the deceased for proper burial by their grieving families.
“Those who sustained burn injuries were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for essential treatment.
“The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause of this pipeline vandalization to bring the culprits to justice.
“Furthermore, Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Emeka, has implored parents and guardians to take responsibility for guiding their children and wards from activities that could disrupt the quest for peaceful and sustainable development throughout the state.”
