Explosion From Vandalized Fuel Pipeline Kills 20 In Rivers

Not lesser than 20 persons have lost their lives after an explosion from an illegal oil tapping point in Omoku, Ogba/Egebema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Sunday morning after the youths allegedly broke a pipeline owned by one of the multinational oil firms operating in the area, many started using jerry cans and buckets to scoop fuel when tragedy struck.

According to an eyewitness, while 20 persons are feared dead, many suffered varying degrees of burns and are receiving treatment in different hospitals in the area.

“It is a very terrible incident. Imagine the death of 20 people in such a time. We learned some youths bust a company pipeline.

“If you go to the General Hospital and other private clinics in Omoku, you will see many of the injured people scattered all over the place in both government and private hospitals taking treatment,” the source said.

Speaking, the chairman of Niger Delta Youth Movement, ONELGA chapter, Emeka Ukwuosah, advised youths in the area to engage in meaningful activities and shun oil bunkering.