Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Few days after an illegal refinery explosion claimed over 100 lives in Egbema, Imo State, another deadly multiple fire explosions have occurred at an illegal oil refining site in Uzuaku, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The fire explosions, four in number, occurred within the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s Imo River-Isimiri pipeline right of way, last Saturday.
Dead toll from the Uzuaku incident reportedly stands at 10, as our correspondent gathered that some persons died at the scene of the incident, while several others later died in the hospital where they were rushed for medical treatment.
A source privy to the incident told our correspondent that the Shell’s pipeline in Uzuaku/Owaza axis has not had crude oil for some weeks, leading to the stoppage of illegal oil bunkering and refining activities in the area.
The source explained that when pumping of crude oil into the pipeline resumed, illegal refinery operators went back to their business, which resulted in the deadly explosion.
Confirming the development, the Shell Petroleum Development company of Nigeria Limited, said the incident occurred within its pipeline rights of way in Abia State.
Spokesperson of SPDC, Mr. Michael Adande, said the company hurriedly stopped production into the Imo River-Isimiri pipeline, adding that safety measures were taken by its staff and contractors.
Adande assured that the incident would be investigated by the industry regulators, together with the company and the host community.
“SPDC JV can confirm four fire incidents on Saturday, 7 May 2022, around its Imo River-Isimiri pipeline right of way in Abia State.
“When the incident was reported, we immediately stopped production into the pipeline and took measures to ensure the safety of our staff and contractors.
“A joint team to be led by regulators and involving representatives of the communities and SPDC JV will investigate the incidents in line with industry regulations,” SPDC said.
It will be recalled that on Friday April 22nd, 2022, a deadly fire explosion rocked an illegal oil refining site in Abaezi, Egbema kingdom, the boundary between Imo and Rivers, claiming over 170 lives, including children.
Follow us on twitter
