Many people have been killed
after fire engulfed an illegal crude oil refining site in the Abaezi forest, in
Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
Witnesses said the incident
happened around 11pm on Friday but residents of the area woke up to see the
huge flames on Saturday morning.
It remains unclear how many
people were on the site when it ignited but figures from witnesses range from
50 to over 100.
A source said people were unable
to go close to the bush at first because of raging fire and had to wait for the
flames to die down before venturing close.
When they got to the scene, they
found out over hundred persons have been burnt and many others sustained
serious burns.
Videos of the scene of the
illegal refinery, hours after the flames went out, depict the extent of the
deadly blaze’s impact-charred equipment, vehicles, and human remains littered
the scene.
Meanwhile the Imo State Governor
Hope Uzodimma has commiserated with the families of affected victims.
He, however, explained that
running an illegal refinery in the area amounted to economic sabotage to the
state and the nation and a criminal act which all should desist from.
The governor warned those still
in the business of running illegal refinery in the state to stop forthwith or
face the wrath of the law.