Two pregnant women and 15 others were killed following a pipeline explosion due to the activities of illegal refining of crude oil at Rumucholu village in Ibaa community of Emoha local government area of Rivers State on Sunday.
Sources in the community told journalists that the explosion occurred when suspected illegal oil bunkerers attempted to set up an illegal refinery site at the 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 clampdown 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 clampdown or arrest as PINL and GSA maintained their presence round the clock, especially at night.
A representative of PINL, who spoke with journalists at the scene of the incident, said the security company, in collaboration with the security agencies, has been destroying illegal refineries in the area for the past six months.
He stated that the feedback from some community members revealed that the victims were burnt due to the illegal refining at the location as the illicit business was hurriedly being carried out for fear detection by the surveillance company.
The PINL representative said his team, along with some stakeholders, who visited the scene, expressed worry that despite after engaging over a hundred of youths in Ibaa communities in public enlightenment and on the danger 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 journalists, 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 angage themselves in legitimate ventures.
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