No fewer than 100 people have died after an illegal refinery exploded at Abaezi Forest in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State
The area where the explosion occured is said to be located at the boundary between Rivers and Imo states.
The fire was said to have been ignited by a machine used to pump spilled crude into containers waiting to be loaded into their pots.
Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, who was at the scene to inspect the area after the incident, said the state government has already declared the owner of the illegal refinery wanted.
He advised the suspect whom he said was on the run to turn himself in at the nearest police station.
The commissioner said, “This is a sad development. The Imo State Government has declared wanted, Okenze Onyenwoke, who owns this illegal refinery. I advise him to hand himself over to the police or any security agency.”
