TRAGEDY AS INFERNO FROM SUSPECTED ILLEGAL FUEL REFINING CLAIMS 50 LIVES IN IMO COMMUNITY

 
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

At least fifty persons have lost their lives while many others sustained various degrees of injuries following a fire incident that occurred at a forest in Abaezi in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State where illegal crude oil refining was taking place.

A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Radio Nigeria that the community observed thick smoke which saturated the environment around midnight on Friday but could not immediately visit the scene due to fear.

The victims who were mostly youths were roasted beyond recognition by the fire as their remains were seen littered in the area while those who were partially burnt were said to have been rushed to hospital for medical attention.

The Public Relations Officer Imo State Police Command, Mr. Micheal Abattam, who confirmed the incident said they were yet to ascertain the actual cause of the inferno, noting that some of the victims were reduced to ashes.

He warned against engaging in such illegal activities to avoid such devastation.