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Sixteen persons were feared dead last night following an explosion that occurred near a jetty in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was gathered that a pipe used in loading fuel at a Port Harcourt Refining depot spilled on July 31, unknown to the workers that the hose pulled out of the badge forcing the petrol to pour on the ground.
Consequently, some residents on witnessing the spill, started scooping the product and storing it in different locations.
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A source said, two fishermen later went to fish near the jetty. One of them held a lantern unknown to him that there was petrol hidden nearby and sadly, an explosion occurred.
The source disclosed that some powerful persons made frantic efforts to cover up the incident.
When contacted, Okrika Council Chairman, Akuros Robin, confirmed the incident but said only four persons died.
Tobin frowned on the attitude of the people who were scooping fuel, describing it as unfortunate.
He said: “It is very unfortunate and I don’t like discussing this issue. They went there to steal oil and the government has been warning against this. None of their parents sent them to go and steal oil. Government have been shouting every day for people to stop stealing. I am not happy with their conduct.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Rivers State, Olufemi Ayodele, was unsuccessful as he failed to respond to calls put across to him.
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