Many people are feared dead after an explosion occurred at a crude oil tapping point in Rumuekpe community in Emuoha local government area of Rivers state, South-South Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that Environmentalist and Executive Director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Fyneface Dumnamene confirmed the incident in a statement saying he received news of the incident through its ‘crude oil spill alert response system.
He said the explosion occurred at around 2am on Friday when one of the buses carrying crude oil to another location for artisanal refining, kickstarted its ignition system.
The explosion is believed to have been caused by the activities of illegal artisanal refiners operating on the trans-Niger Delta Pipeline in the area.
It has also led to the loss of an unspecified number of lives including women, some of whom were burnt beyond recognition and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer is already on his way to the scene.
However, no official statement has been released concerning this incident as at the time of filing this report.
“I would get back to you please,” said Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers state police spokesperson.
This is a developing story……..
