The Rivers State Police Command has issued an official update regarding the recent pipeline fire incident at Ibaa community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to a press release signed by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that on Sunday, October 1, 2023, the Rivers State Police Command received distress information about a tragic fire explosion where fifteen individuals, among them a pregnant woman, lost their lives in the devastating incident, while an additional twenty people suffered various degree of burn injuries.
The statement read, “These casualties were as a result of an explosion at an oil pipeline owned by a major oil company, which had been illegally accessed for crude oil extraction within a forested area.
“Swift response by the police patrol team from Rumuji Division promptly arrived at the scene. They documented the incident with photographs and also facilitated a dignified evacuation of the deceased for proper burial by their grieving families. Those who sustained burn injuries were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for essential treatment.
The Command spokesperson further said that the Rivers State Police Command has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause of this pipeline vandalization with the intention of bringing the culprits to justice.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP. Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka has implored parents and guardians to take responsibility for guiding their children and wards from activities that could disrupt the quest for peaceful and sustainable development throughout the state.
