Hundred Youths Lost To Death As Illegal Refinery Catches Fire In Imo

At least 100 persons believed to be all youths have been reportedly dead after an explosion gutted a chain of illegal refineries in the Abaezi Forest in the Ohaji-Egbema local government council area of Imo State.

The incident which occurred on Friday night also saw no fewer than six vehicles being razed in the unfortunate incident.

The incident which threw villagers and residents of the community into mourning was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, on Saturday.

It was gathered that majority of the victims were burnt beyond recognitiion.

Opiah, who is an indigene of Egbema, disclosed that Imo Government has declared the operator of the illegal refinery, Okenze Onyenwoke, wanted.

The incident which occurred on Friday night also saw no fewer than six vehicles being razed in the unfortunate incident.

The incident which threw villagers and residents of the community into mourning was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, on Saturday.

“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.”