The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that the death toll in Sunday’s illegal refinery explosion in Abaeze community Ohaji/Egbema Local Government of Imo State had risen to 110 and there are no survivors to tell story of what led to the fire disaster.
Acting Head of Imo, Abia Operations Office of the agency, Mr Ifeanyi Nnaji, who disclosed this to newsmen on Monday said more dead bodies were recovered in Orashi River, near the scene of the incident on Sunday, while some died at various hospitals to increase the total casualty figure so far.
An illegal refinery situated at the Abaeze forest in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government exploded on Saturday and killed no fewer than 100 people.
Emergency workers in Imo State led by Nnaji had been on ground since the incident happened to carry out rescue operations and evacuate dead bodies.
NEMA said NAN that arrangements were on to carry out mass burial of the corpses.
Nnaji said “we are yet to ascertain what led to the fire disaster.
“Those who should tell the story and give insight to the incident are all dead, we are still on ground, we will soon come out with a report on the incident”, he said.
Nnaji further appealed to government to create the enabling environment for genuine business to flourish within the oil producing communities in Imo, to discourage youths from engaging in illegal activities.
He also appealed to oil companies in the area to assist government in job creation for their host communities.
