No less than 15 buildings were lost to fire on Wednesday in Ibaa community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State after a truck suspected to be laden with illegally refined petroleum products burst into flames.
Recall that Governor Nyesom Wike had ordered a clampdown on operators of illegal bunkering and artisanal refineries in parts of the State.
It was gathered that the truck, which was stationed in the community had been loaded with petroleum products when it ignited.
It was also learnt that the tanker was trying to move through the rough roads of one of the bunkering sites when it went up in flames.
A source who spoke on anonymity said the inferno razed more than 20 shops and residential buildings.
“We were woken up by the cries of victims whose houses were gutted by a fire from a parked truck used for Kpo-fire business.
“The truck was loaded with petroleum products and was about to go to dispatch its consignment when it went up in flames. More than 15 buildings were razed and many shops, more than 20 burnt down with goods in them,” the source said.
One of the victims of the incident said his lock-up shops which he uses for his business were lost to the fire.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman for Emohua Local Government Vigilante Service in Ibaa Community, Ohaka Obisike disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Rumuji station has visited the scene with his men to ascertain the level of damage.
