Deadly Blaze: Imo Forest Rocked by Tanker Explosion, Over 30 Feared Dead

Over 30 individuals are feared dead as a tanker suspected to be linked to oil bunkering exploded in the forest of Obitti, located in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday in the Ndorama pipeline right of way within the Obitti rubber estate, according to reports. The area, known for its ties to illegal oil bunkering activities, became a scene of horror as the tanker burst into flames, reducing bodies to ashes.

Conflicting accounts surround the cause of the explosion, with some witnesses suggesting an exchange of gunfire between rival groups vying for control of the oil bunkering territory. Others speculate that leaders overseeing the illicit business orchestrated the attack, leading to the catastrophic incident.

A community leader, preferring to remain anonymous, alleged that the victims trespassed into the territory controlled by an influential kingpin, purportedly involved in both oil bunkering and politics.

An eyewitness captured the aftermath in a video, revealing the grim details: “Vandals came to vandalise pipeline right of way… They tapped into the pipe, emptied the oil into a tanker parked inside the bush. Unfortunately, luck ran out of them. It exploded and killed many of them. The tanker was still burning.”

In response, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and stated that the command had established a high-powered investigation team to uncover the immediate cause of the explosion and apprehend those involved.