- Deadly explosion in Omoku, Rivers State, kills five.
- The explosion was caused by illegally refined kerosene used in a cooking stove.
- Victims were burned beyond recognition.
- Calls for investigation and crackdown on illegal refining activities.
- Advocacy for the legalization of artisanal refineries to prevent future incidents.
Breaking News: Five Perish in Rivers State Explosion
A devastating explosion in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, has resulted in the tragic death of five individuals. The victims were reportedly burned beyond recognition in the petroleum explosion that occurred on Saturday.
The Culprit: Illegally Refined Kerosene
According to reports, the explosion was triggered by illegally refined kerosene being used in a cooking stove. State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that the victims were attempting to cook noodles when the fire erupted, razing down the house and causing the fatalities. “I can confirm the incident and that it was caused by bad Kerosene in a cooking stove,” she said.
Eyewitness Accounts and Civil Society Concerns
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) sent monitors to the area and disclosed that the explosion was caused by stored illegally refined petroleum products. Executive Director, Dumnamene Fyneface, explained that the incident occurred in a house where people purchased and stored illegally refined petroleum products, including condensate, for resale.
Calls for Action and Investigation
Following the tragic event, there have been widespread calls for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Advocacy Centre has urged residents and youths to abstain from pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries, and trading in illegally refined petroleum products to prevent similar occurrences.
The Bigger Picture: Illegal Refining in the Niger Delta
Illegal refining, also known as artisanal refining, is a rampant issue in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It involves the crude and dangerous processing of crude oil into petroleum products. This practice not only poses significant environmental risks but also endangers the lives of those involved and the surrounding communities.
A Potential Solution: Legalizing Artisanal Refineries?
YEAC-Nigeria has reiterated its call on the federal government to legalize artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta through the establishment of the Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI) and/or Modular Refineries for artisanal Refiners. The goal is to mitigate incidents of this nature and provide a safer, more regulated environment for refining activities.
The Way Forward
The explosion in Rivers State is a stark reminder of the dangers of illegal refining and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the Niger Delta. Legalizing artisanal refineries, coupled with strict regulations and environmental safeguards, could be a viable step towards preventing future tragedies and fostering economic growth in the region. It’s time for decisive action to protect lives and the environment.
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