Abia Government Moves To Unravel Cause Of Illegal Refinery Explosion

Abia State Government has begun an investigation aimed at unraveling the cause of the explosion that occurred at an illegal oil refinery in the state.

The explosion occurred at Uzuaku Community, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

It was reported that 10 lives were lost in the incident. Three of the victims – a couple and an only male child died on the spot while seven others later died in the hospital.

The state Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals, Eze Samuel Nwanganga, said the investigative team would be visiting the community today.

Nwanganga who said the actual casualty figure had not been established, however, noted that the government was in touch with the local authorities as part of efforts to arrest the situation.

He also said that security had been beefed up around the community.

The fire incident is coming barely two weeks after a deadly explosion at another illegal refinery claimed over 100 lives in Ohaji Egbema, Imo State.