Two pregnant women and 15 others were killed on Sunday following pipeline explosion due to illegal refining of crude oil at Rumucholu village in Ibaa community of Emoha local government area of Rivers State.
Sources in the community told newsmen that the explosion occurred when suspected illegal oil bunkerers attempted to set up illegal refinery site at the said location.
It was gathered that operatives of the 26 Support Engineer Regiment (SER -Nigerian Army Engineers) in collaboration with a surveillance firm, Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), had about two weeks ago, launched massive and intensive clamp down and destruction of illegal refineries along the right of way and its corridor.
The sources stated that the accident could be linked to fear of a clamp down or arrest as PINL and GSA maintained presence all round the clock especially at night.
A representative of PINL, who spoke with journalists at the scene of the incident, said the company, in collaboration with the security agencies, have been destroying illegal refineries in the area for the last six months.
He stated that the feedback from some community members revealed the victims were burnt due to the illegal refining at the location as the illicit business was hurriedly been carried out for fear of the surveillance company.
The PINL representative said his team, along with some stakeholders at the scene expressed concern why after engaging hundreds of youths in Ibaa communities in public enlightenment and on the dangers of illegal refining, they still engaged themselves in the illicit business of crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He stated that the company will not relent in its synergy with the community stakeholders and relevant security agencies towards sensitising the youths to shun all forms of illegal crude oil refining in the area and also keep the Trans Niger Pipeline safe.
Speaking to newsmen, chief security officer (CSO) of Ibaa community, Rufus Welekwe, who expressed sadness over the incident, appealed to the youths of the community to stay away from illegal crude oil refining and ensure they engage themselves in legitimate business.
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