Victims Of Rivers Pipeline Explosion May Get Mass Burial

Relatives of victims of the recent pipeline explosion that occurred along Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) at Ibaa community in Emohua local government area of Rivers State, are still coming to identify the corpses of their relatives.

Recall that no fewer than 17 persons, including two pregnant women, were roasted to death on Sunday night when the pipeline exploded due to the activities of suspected illegal bunkerers and refiners.

Addressing journalists at the scene of the explosion yesterday, chief security officer of Ibaa community, Chief Rufus Welekwe, said majority of the victims were not from the community.

Welekwe stated that there were plans to bury the victims, most of whom were burnt beyond recognition, to avoid outbreak of epidemic in the community.

Local government chairman, Chidi Lloyd while reacting to the pipeline explosion, noted that the explosion claimed lives of 17 suspected illegal refiners at Ibaa community in Emohua LGA.

He said it was unfortunate that some youths were still engaging in illegal oil activities despite numerous advocacies to educate them about the dangers involved.

The council chairman said: “It is unfortunate that people who have been misguided will lose their lives in that kind of manner.”

Lloyd, who raised questions about the role of Nigeria’s security agencies, especially, the military, in addressing these challenges in the communities, called on traditional rulers in the area to speak out against criminal activities within their domain.

He said: “I have said several times, that there cannot be any shortcut to wealth. I have also said to traditional rulers that they have a duty to expose criminal elements within their neighbourhood.”