Imo Refinery Fire: Casualties Rise To 109, Others Still Missing

An uncertain number of people are still reportedly missing after the fire incident at the illegal oil refinery site at Abacheke Kpofire in Egbema community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.

Reports obtained by Naija News on Sunday revealed that 109 bodies have been recovered so far from the horrible inferno.

The fire incident which occurred on Friday night has caused unrest in the area.

The Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency, Ifeanyi Nnaji, had earlier confirmed that 20 persons died in the unfortunate fire incident.

Informing the public of the latest development, Nnaji on Sunday said so far 109 bodies had been recovered while others were still missing.

He said, “It was more serious than we envisaged. As of this evening, we have counted 109 bodies on the ground while countless others fell into the river and others died inside the refinery.”

The Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, revealed that the operator of the illegal refinery identified as Okenze Onyenwoke is currently at large.

It was also gathered that about six vehicles were burnt during the incident.

In another news, an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ugwueze Ezekiel, has dehumanized his sister for having a boyfriend.

Reports had it that the security personnel have been hard on his younger female siblings, trying all means to prevent them of having any ‘boyfriend’ relationship.

Ezekiel who is identified as a residence of at Aviation Estate in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, reportedly returned from work last Wednesday and descended on one of sisters for refusing to yield to his warnings.

The victim, Amarachi Ugwueze, 19, is said to be a microbiology student at the University of Abuja, Naija News understands.

According to Saharareporters, the NSCDC officer started beating his sister on Wednesday after she refused to surrender her mobile phone to him for a check as usual.

Ezekiel reportedly beat Ugwueze to a stupor, leaving her with degrees of injuries.

Testimonies received about the officer revealed he is fond of torturing his two sisters over suspicions that they had boyfriends. Continue reading…