Over 100 burnt beyond recognition in Imo illegal refinery inferno

An inferno, which engulfed an illegal crude oil refinery in the Abaezi forest, in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State has reported killed many people.

According to Channels News, the dead were burnt beyond recognition.

The fire incident was said to have occurred around 11pm on Friday but residents of the area woke up to see the huge flames on Saturday morning.

The number of the dead have been put at between 50 to over 100, according to eyewitnesses.

A source said people were unable to go close to the bush at first because of the 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.

Illegal refineries have remained a menace, posing environmental and economic threat to the nation and resulting in condemnation and crackdowns by the government – especially in the South-South.

Earlier this month, amid reports of widespread crude oil theft and the environmental impact of illegal refineries, the Nigerian Navy launched an operation to combat the threat.

Last week, the Navy said Operation Dakatar Da Barawo or ‘Stop the Thief had recorded successes with about N200m worth of crude oil products seized from thieves in oil producing states in two weeks.