Following the explosion that rocked Rumuekpe community, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State last Friday, the death toll has reportedly risen to 20.
Recall that a pipeline explosion in the area had left scores of persons dead and several others injured.
Speaking on the incident, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuekpe Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Christian Evekwuru, blamed the incident on hunger and poverty in the land.
Eze Evekwuru recalled that since 1958 when oil exploration started in the area, oil multinationals operating in the community allegedly refused to employ the youths in the community.
He claimed that the multinationals have failed to establish any industry to help their host community.
According to him, despite being a host community to four oil companies, there was nothing to show for it except incessant fire outbreaks and other calamities in the community.
The monarch added that in spite of their contribution to the nation’s economy, all efforts to draw the attention of the Federal Government to their plight had proved abortive.
While commiserating with families who lost loved ones to the explosion, Eze Evekwuru appealed to FG to collaborate with the oil companies to ensure compensation to the families of the dead victims.
