The Rivers police spokesperson said five vehicles and four tricycles were burnt to ashes at the explosion site.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Twelve persons died in the early Friday morning explosion in Rumuekpe community of Emoha Local Government Area of Rivers State, Police have said.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigation showed that the victims were scooping crude product when the site caught fire.
It was gathered that the explosion occurred as a bus loaded with some siphoned crude went up in flames, as it was leaving the spot for an illegal refinery in the area.
“So far about 12 persons are believed to have been burnt to death. The identities of the victims are still unknown,” Iringe-Koko stated.
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She also said that five vehicles and four tricycles were burnt to ashes at the explosion site.
Executive Director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Fyneface Fyneface, said the explosion happened at about 2am on Friday when a driver kicked the ignition of one of the buses loaded with stolen crude oil.
Meanwhile, the police have admonished members of the public to stay away from illegal oil bunkering and contact it through telephone numbers, 08032003514 and 08098880134, to report any crime.