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By Godwin Chukwumaechi
Two pregnant women and 13 other persons were among victims confirmed burnt to death in a fire disaster at an illegal oil refinery fire at Rumucholu community in Ibaa, Emoha Local Government Area.
The fire which occurred early morning of Monday was said to have been caused by the activities of illegal refining of crude oil at a site previously destroyed by some government security agencies, GSAs working in collaboration with a private security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, PINL.
It was gathered from a community source who pleaded anonymity that the fire incident occurred as a result of attempts by the oil thieves to rebuild illegal refinery at the said location as the security forces and PINL officias had previously destroyed the illegal refinery at the same location about 2 weeks ago.
The source further stated that the accident could be linked to fear of a clamp down or arrest as Pinl and GSA maintain presence all round the clock especially at night.
A representative of PINL speaking to journalists at the scene said the feedback from some community members revealed the victims were burnt due to the illegal bunkering activities.
The PINL official who would not want to be mentioned for security reasons led some stakeholders to the scene, expressing worry that after engaging hundreds of youths in Ibaa communities in public enlightenment and on the danger of illegal refining, they still engaged in the illicit business of crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He further said PINL would not relent in its synergy with the community stakeholders and relevant security agencies towards sensitizing the youths to shun all forms of illegal crude oil refining in the area and also keep the TNP safe.
In his reaction, chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Hon Chidi Lloyd, said it was unfortunate that some youths are still engaging in illegal oil activities despite numerous advocacies to educate them about the dangers involved.
He called on traditional rulers in the area to speak out against criminal activities within their domain.
“It’s unfortunate that people who have been misguided will lose their lives in that kind of kind of manner. 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 neighborhood.
He also identified Obele, Rumuji and Ibaa as places where illegal oil refining activities persist.
On his part, the chief security officer of Ibaa community, Rufus Welekwe, while expressing sadness over the incident appealed to the youths of the community to stay away from illegal crude oil refining and ensure they engage themselves in legitimate business.
“The community chief has been shouting for everybody to stop this because FG does not want it and we don’t want it in our community.
Now it has happened, they have seen the result what that man is saying. They said some are from Ogbodo community, some from Rumuji community, some from Odogha and I can’t exactly know.
Meanwhile, some family members of the affected victims that burnt to death express sadness over the loss of their loved ones.
Pastor Henry Iyenatebo from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State who said he could identify his 32-year old younger brother lamented the he didn’t know the young man was involved in illegal bunkering.
“I was in the church before I had a call that I should come to this community that something was going on.
“I asked what was going on and they said my younger one was lying there helplessly. I asked what happened they said he went for Kpo fire business.
“I have been able to identify him and the family will do what they can to bury within available resources. “I’m surprised to see this because that is not how he was brought up”, he said.
