The Rivers State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating explosion that occurred on Sunday, October 1, claiming several lives.
The tragic incident unfolded at an illegal oil refining site nestled in the heart of Ibaa community, within the Emuoha Local Government Area of the state.
According to law enforcement authorities, the root cause of the destructive fire was pipeline vandalism, a grave crime that has severe consequences for the community and the environment.
The investigation’s primary objective is to identify the criminals responsible for this catastrophic event and ensure that they face the full weight of the law.
The information was conveyed in an official statement titled “Rivers State Police Command Addresses Fatal Pipeline Fire Tragedy.”
The statement was released on Wednesday, September 4, by Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command.
On Monday, October 2, Olufemi Ayodele, the state spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, reported the rescue of 25 injured victims, with 18 individuals tragically burnt beyond recognition.
However, the Police provided slightly different figures, noting that 20 people sustained injuries, and 15 others perished in the fire. Conflicting reports suggested a death toll of approximately 35 individuals.
The Police emphasized the magnitude of the explosion, characterizing it as devastating.
The incident unfolded at 23:30 hours on Sunday, October 1, 2023. It involved an oil pipeline owned by a major oil company, which had been illicitly accessed for crude oil extraction within a forested area.
Tragically, among the casualties were 15 individuals, including a pregnant woman, who lost their lives.
An additional 20 people suffered varying degrees of burn injuries.
The swift response of the Rivers State Police Command was commendable, as its patrol team from Rumuji Division arrived promptly at the scene. They documented the incident through photographs and facilitated the dignified evacuation of the deceased for proper burial by their grieving families.
Those who sustained burn injuries were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The Police reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of this pipeline vandalism. Their aim is to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable under the law.
Rivers State Police Commissioner, Nwonyi Emeka, took the opportunity to implore parents and guardians to assume responsibility for guiding their children and wards away from activities that could disrupt the quest for peaceful and sustainable development throughout the state.