While expressing sadness over the development, the command highlighted that despite the corps’ ongoing offensive against oil thieves and vandals, the threat had yet to dissipate.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State has confirmed that a pregnant woman and a university graduate were among the 18 victims burnt beyond recognition in Ibaa Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, where an illegal bunkering site went up in flames.
While expressing sadness over the development, the command highlighted that despite the corps’ ongoing offensive against oil thieves and vandals, the threat had yet to dissipate.
In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ayodele, the state NSCDC Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, stated preliminary investigation revealed that the inferno began on Sunday night, October 1, 2023.
It was learnt that Mr. John Bodo, the proprietor of the bunkering site said he survived the accident, but his son, Uche John Bodo, a recent graduate, died at the scene.
According to Igwebueze, although the 18 dead were burnt beyond recognition, 25 others were injured and sent to the hospital for treatment.
“From our preliminary findings, it was gathered that the inferno was caused by a local refinery cooking pot constructed close to an oil reservoir which contained combustible materials, the burning temperature eventually became too high and the environment gutted fire.
“We also gathered that the cooking pot belonging to one Mr John Bodo who sustained severe fire injuries while his son, Uche John Bodo, a fresh graduate, died on the spot.
“It is also lamentable to relay that most of the victims were youths; then a pregnant woman and a young lady getting ready for her marriage ceremony next month were all casualties.”
Igwebueze, who conceded that the corps alone could not totally deter obstinate criminals from illegally dealing in petroleum products, urged for the involvement of youth organisations, religious organisations and regional monarchs.
“In collaborations with sister security agencies we have identified through sustained intelligence certain areas where local refineries were constructed and such illegal sites have been taken over by our Anti Vandal Squad to prevent further operations by perpetrators; it is however disheartening that the more we dismantle these illegal refineries the more people engaged in such unscrupulous activities.
“The fire disaster which occurred in Ibaa community is highly condemnable and uncalled for; there is need for conscious effort and stronger collaborations with the traditional iInstitutions, community youths, religious leaders amongst others to fight against oil bunkering activities in our various communities and this begins with giving credible intelligence and information to the NSCDC which remains the lead agency in the fight against vandalism of oil pipelines and protection of critical national assets and Infrastructures in Rivers State.”
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