RIVERS STATE NSCDC CONFIRMS THE DEATH OF VICTIMS OF FIRE INCIDENT THAT ENGULFED AN ILLEGAL BUNKERING DUMP

The Rivers State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Basil Igwebueze, yesterday, confirmed that a pregnant woman, and 18 people died in the fire incident that engulfed an illegal bunkering dump in Ibaa community in Emohua Local Council of the state.

Igwebueze, in a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ayodele, said preliminary investigation revealed that the fire outbreak started very late hour, saying 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition, while 25 injured persons were rescued.

The NSCDC boss said the owner of the site where the fire incident occurred, John Bodo sustained fire buns, while his son, Uche John Bodo, who is a fresh graduate died.

He said the casualties include a pregnant woman, and a young lady billed to get married next month.
“It is lamentable to say that most of the victims were youths; then a pregnant woman and a young lady getting ready for her marriage ceremony next month were all casualties,” he said.

Igwebueze, who condemned the activities of economic saboteurs engaging in vandalism of oil pipelines and operations of local refineries in the state, decried the unrepentant nature of those dealing illegally in petroleum products through the construction of local refineries where siphoned crude oil is being processed locally.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Emohua council, Chidi Lloyd, said it is unfortunate that some youths are still engaging in illegal oil refining activities despite numerous advocacies to educate them about the dangers involved.

He called on traditional rulers in the area to speak out against criminal activities within their domain.

It is unfortunate that misguided people will lose their lives in that kind of dastard manner in Ibaa.

“I have said this for the umpteenth time, anybody who is in Rivers State will bear me witness that there cannot be any shortcut to wealth. And I have also told traditional rulers that they have a duty. It is not enough to be given recognition, but they have a duty to expose criminal elements within their neighbourhoods.

“It is unfortunate that misguided people will lose their lives in that kind of dastard manner in Ibaa.

I have said this for the umpteenth time, anybody who is in Rivers State will bear me witness that there cannot be any shortcut to wealth. And I have also told traditional rulers that they have a duty. It is not enough to be given recognition, but they have a duty to expose criminal elements within their neighbourhoods.