More than 27 youths have reportedly lost their lives in a petrol pipeline explosion in Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday, as a result of oil bunkering activities carried out by youths, who siphoned petroleum products from many of the pipelines located on the stretch of the adjourning villages within the community.
A resident of the community, Mr Chikwem Godwin alleged that more than 20 persons may have died in the incident.
Godwin said “I can confirm to you that more than 20 persons died in that very incident. That particular place where this incident occurred is very notorious for bunkering activities. Youths from various communities gather there to carry out criminal activities of cutting oil pipes.
“The place is the centre of oil bunkering activities. There are so many oil, petrol and gas pipelines that crisscross the community. The pipelines are owned by some multi-national oil companies.
“NLNG also have their gas pipeline crisscross along the stretch of the community. Those involved in this criminal activities may have ruptured petrol pipeline which ignited fire and burnt to death so many persons.
”This incident may have affected many families from all the neighboring communities as many youths involved in this nefarious activities comes from different community.”
Another resident of Rumuekpe who gave his name as Amadi, said he saw five corpses burnt beyond recognition.
Rivers State Police Command Public Relation Officer, SP Nnmadi Omoni who confirmed the story said he was yet to ascertain the number of deaths.
