By: Felix Ikpotor
Early morning explosion at an illegal oil bunkering site in Rumuekpe community in Emohua local government area of Rivers State has killed twelve persons.
Director of Youth Environment and Advocacy Centre (YEAC), Dumnamene Fyneface Dumnamene who made the disclosure in a statement said the fire started when the driver of a vehicle that was fully loaded with petroleum products attempted to start his vehicle which led to the explosion.
He said the fire affected those who were in the pit from where the product was being scooped and others waiting to load the products with their vehicles.
Port Harcourt Spectator reports that Rumuekpe community is notorious for bunkering activities in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko has confirmed that twelve persons so far lost their lives in the explosion.
Iringe-Koko who stated this in a statement said investigation into the incident had already begun.
She also said five vehicles, four Keke NAPEPs, and one motorcycle were all burnt to ashes in the incident.
