Tragedy struck on Friday in Ovelle-Nvakaohia village, Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, when a fire outbreak at an alleged oil theft site roasted over 20 persons to death.
Women, hired to package the stolen product, were most affected, and were paid N1,000 per drum.
The fire was said to have gutted a pit used by some persons for oil bunkering activities.
Although the Rivers State Police Command had noted while confirming the development that 12 people died, a source in the community claimed that more than the number confirmed by the police in the state were involved.
It was gathered that about five cars, four tricycles (popularly called Keke napep) and some motorcycles used for transporting stolen crude oil were destroyed in the incident.
The source who pleaded anonymity told Sunday Vanguard that the vehicles were loaded with the stolen product packaged in sacks.
Victims were scooping crude oil — Police
The spokesperson of the police in Rivers, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, stated that the victims were scooping crude oil from the pipeline when the fire ignited.
She said: “Preliminary investigation by the Police Command indicates that the victims were scooping crude product when the site caught fire.
“So far, about 12 persons are believed to have been burnt to death. The identities of the victims are still unknown.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state has again admonished members of the public to stay away from illegal oil bunkering.”
