The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has blamed political poor leadership over the explosion that killed over thirty people in Rivers State.
Recall that on Tuesday, over 20 persons lost their lives following an explosion from an illegal oil tapping point in Omoku, Ogba/Egebema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday morning after the youths allegedly broke a pipeline belonging to one of the multinational oil firms operating in the area, many started using jerry cans and buckets to scoop fuel when tragedy struck.
An eyewitness said while 20 persons are feared dead, many suffered varying degrees of burns and are receiving treatment in different hospitals in the area.
An updated report on Wednesday stated that death of persons involved toll to 30.
Reacting on Wednesday evening on X platform, Obi said the tragic incident was caused by the uncaring and insensitive attitude of the political leadership. Noting that this is very sad because the high level of poverty in the country drives the poor among us to take unthinkable risks to make ends meet.
His words, “Last night, I received very troubling reports of an explosion from an illegal oil tapping point in Omoku, Ogba/Egebema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, where over 20 persons reportedly lost their lives. Though I am still making inquiries to understand the true circumstances surrounding this tragic event, reports suggest that the incident occurred when youths broke an operational pipeline in the area, and many gathered to scoop fuel. I understand the level of hardship in the country,
Continuing, ” We can end such sad occurrences by providing jobs for our teeming youths and by lifting people out of poverty. I sincerely commiserate with the affected families over this painful loss of precious lives. May God grant eternal rest to the dead and heal the wounded.
