Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
About 16 persons were said to have died in a fire incident while allegedly stealing crude oil near Okari Jetty in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
THISDAY gathered that the incident occurred on Monday, July 31, 2023, when the victims were scooping oil from a host used in offloading fuel at a Port Harcourt Refining depot that spilled.
A community source who pleaded anonymity, said two fishermen lost their lives in the fire, claiming that the incident happened at the NAFCON creek in Okrika.
According to the source, “What happened was that a badge was loading fuel at a Port Harcourt Refining Depot. In the process the host pulled out of the badge, unknown to the workers who were on a legal duty, the whole fuel was pouring out.
“Following this, the community people took jerry can to scoop the product. A man fetched large quantity and hid it somewhere near a jetty. Later that evening, two fishermen went to fish near the Jerry. One of them held a lantern unknown to him that there was petrol hidden nearby.
“That was how the explosion happened and spread far away, killing about 16 people or so. The sound was loud and the fire spread.”
As at the time of filing this report, the State Police Command and the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers command were yet to confirm the incident.
THISDAY contacted the security agencies on phone, but the Public Relations Officers of the Police and NSCDC in the state promised to get back after gathering information on the incident.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Mr. Akuro Robin, who spoke to THISDAY via telephone yesterday confirmed the incident.
However, contrary to the speculation that over 16 perished in the incident, the Okrika LGA chairman said only four people died.
He said: “There was nothing like explosion in Okrika but a case of oil theft which federal government has been against.
“I hardly respond to such questions but because I am also fighting against crude oil theft, l decided to respond. The numbers they claimed died is not true, but about four persons that died,” the Okrika chairman added.
