OIL COMPANIES BLAMED FOR ILLEGAL REFINERY EXPLOSION IN RUMUEKPE RIVERS STATE
The explosion that rocked Emoha local government in Rivers states have been largely blamed on the abandonment by the oil companies in the state
The explosion of an illegal refinery in Rumuekpe, Emoha Local Government Area, Rivers State, have claimed over 25 lives who died in the incident.
It was gathered that many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition and the community was said to be afraid that more people with high degrees of injuries might not survive the blast.
A stakeholder and representative of Rumuekpe, Ifeanyi Omano, described the situation as a tragedy throwing the whole community into mourning and devastated emotions.
Apart from the death recorded at the incident, Omano said the entire environment was devastated adding that economic trees and cash crops were destroyed. He further blamed the proliferation of illegal refineries in the area on oil multinationals operating in the community.
He further explained the oil companies failed to live up to their responsibilities, a situation he said compelled the youths to set up artisanal refineries.
“These are oil giants, multinationals that have done business with the community for more than 50 years. But they have left only horror and blood. The state of things, if something drastic is not done, I can assure you that the prospect of the community going into extinction is very high.
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