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Tragedy struck in Imo as over hundred persons died following a light night fire incident in an illegal crude oil refining site at Abaezi forest, in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of the State.
Six vehicles were also razed during the incident which had thrown the community into panic.
The state Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, who is an indigene of Egbema, told newsmen at the scene that the state government had declared the owner of the illegal refinery, Okenze Onyenwoke, wanted.
He advised the suspect whom he said was on the run to turn himself in at the nearest police station.
The commissioner said, “This is a sad development. The Imo State Government has declared wanted, Okenze Onyenwoke, who owns this illegal refinery. I advise him to hand himself over to the police or any security agency.
“This is wickedness. This is economic sabotage. It is also destroying our youths. I, therefore, call on the youths to go away from this kind of illegal business. There are so many legitimate businesses one could do to make genuine money.”
An indigene of the community who identified himself simply as Ejike said, “Nobody survived the incident. Those who were rescued yesterday have all died this morning. The casualty figure is over 100. This is sad. People are rushing to look for their relations but the unfortunate thing is that the victims were burnt beyond recognition.”
