109 bodies recovered in illegal refinery site in Imo, victims burnt to death

At least 109 people were either burnt to death or drowned at Abacheke Kpofire in Egbema community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State after an illegal oil refinery site went up in flame.

It was learnt that that scores of people were burnt in the raging fire but Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji.

Also six vehicles were said to have been burnt. Nnaji said so far 109 bodies had been recovered.

He said,” It was more serious than we envisaged . As at this evening, we have counted 109 bodies on the ground while countless others fell into the river and others died inside the refinery.”

State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, said that the operator of the illegal refinery, Okenze Onyenwoke, has been identified but currently at large.

He however said that the operator had been declared wanted by the police.

The Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Mike Abatham, also confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.