Over 100 people were on Saturday burnt beyond recognition following an explosion at an illegal oil refinery in Rivers State.
Director-General, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr Idris Musa, who confirmed the incident, said an investigation into the explosion by the agency was underway.
“Explosion at an Artisanal Refining Site at Egbema-Ndoni LGA Rivers State.
“There was an explosion at an artisanal refining site in Egbema-Ndoni LGA, Rivers State earlier today (Saturday, 23, 2022).
The incident claimed several lives especially those engaged in the illegal oil refining and bunkering.
“The incident is still under investigation even though the raging inferno has subsided.
“That area is one of the oil theft-prone locations.
“An incident similar to this happened in year 2020 in that area. Further updates on the incident would be announced while necessary action is being taken to forestall any further ugly situation,” Musa told NAN.