Oil Theft: Tanker Explosion Kills 30 In Imo Forest

Afimag.com –

More than 30 people have been burnt beyond recognition following an explosion of a tanker belonging to oil bunkers in the forest of Obitti, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State.

The tragic incident took place on January 30, 2024, at Ndorama pipeline right of way in the Obitti rubber estate of Ohaji/Egbema council of the state.

The relatives of the victims gave different account of what led to the ugly development.

Some persons who interacted with newsmen said a gu’n duel ensued between two groups trying to claim dominance of the area of the oil bunkering business.

While a few others added that leaders in charge of oil bunkering business planned the attack that led to the explosion.

Meanwhile, a footage by the eyewitness said: “Vandals came to vandalise pipeline right of way. This place is called Ndorama pipeline right of way. They drove to the place in a tanker suspected to be used for the illegal bunkering. They dug deep into the ground, located the pipeline and from where they tapped from and emptied the oil into a tanker parked inside the bush.

“They used long hoses connected it to the pipe but unfortunately, luck ran out of them. It exploded and killed many of them. You can see some of them burnt to ashes. Some of them, their bodies are still burning. The tanker was still burning.”