20 persons roast to death as oil pipeline explodes in Rivers community

No fewer than 20 persons were reportedly roasted to death after a petrol pipeline exploded at Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Community sources said that the incident which occurred on Thursday, was as a result of illegal oil bunkering activities.

One of the sources said youths of the community were fond of siphoning petroleum products from many pipelines located on the stretch of the adjourning villages within the community.

A resident of the community, Mr Chikwem Godwin, told Daily Trust that the area was notorious for oil bunkering.

He said the incident occurred when those involved in the criminal activities attempted to cut one of the petroleum pipelines.

According to him, more than 20 persons may have died in the incident, given the number of persons that gathered at the scene on a daily basis.

“I can confirm to you that more than 20 persons died in that very incident.”

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“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 these 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 neighbouring communities as many youths involved in these nefarious activities come from different communities,” he said.

Another resident of Rumuekpe who simply gave his name as Amadi said he saw five corpses burnt beyond recognition.

When contacted Rivers State Police Command Public Relation Officer, SP Nnamdi Omoni confirmed the story but said he was yet to ascertain the number of deaths.

He said a detachment from the State Police Command had been deployed in the area to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.