The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed an explosion of an oil pipeline at the Rumurkpe community in the Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A statement by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, said that a preliminary investigation by the Police Command indicates that the victims were scooping crude product when the site caught fire. So far, about 12 persons are believed to have been burnt to death. The identities of the victims are still unknown.
She further said that five vehicles, four Keke NAPEPs, and one motorcycle were all burned to ashes.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police has again admonished members of the public to stay away from illegal oil bunkering and avail themselves of the following hotlines to report any incident or development they believe has the potential to lead to crime or breakdown of law and order: 08032003514, 08098880134.
