Scores have been left dead on Thursday, after an illegal refinery known as “Kpofire” exploded, along Kolo Creek in Okaki, a boundary community between Rivers and Bayelsa.
Aaccording to SaharaReporters, the incident, which occurred in the early hours, was on account of combustion from the equipment being used by illegal refiners – the equipment is substandard and susceptible to combustion.
Another account, however, said the explosion was caused by a female worker, who lit a match around the oil spill on the ground of refinery site.
“The one at Kolo Creek, I learnt, was caused by a lady who lit a match to prepare noodles and the gas that came with the crude oil enveloped everybody. My source said about 27 persons lost their lives, with many burnt beyond recognition,” a source said.
“I learnt that every day, there are unreported cases of deaths as a result of the explosion there. Business is brisk and many people, including the security agents, make huge cash at Kolo Creek,” he added.
A Police source, who confirmed the incident, told SaharaReporters that the exact casualty figure is not yet known, details remain sketchy.
