By Deborah Christopher and Udesinanna Stephen
Following a pipeline vandalization at the early hours of today in Rumuekpe Community, Rivers state, fire explosion has erupted leaving 1 dead, 3 injured and many in flames.
This was confirmed by the Divisional Police Officer of Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers state Command, Yakubu Garba Abdullahi who said they were informed around 4:00am about the vandals and they responded.
“We were told of the activities of the vandals and we decided to come in on time, we chased them and on the process we were able to get some”. He explained.
According to the Commander, they rescued some of the victims of the incident.
In his words, “we were able to rescue some of them. Only one lady is injured, 3 have been rescued and they are in the hospital, only 1 corpse on the floor. We are trying to secure the place with the Nigeria army.”
Speaking with the Vice Chairman, Rumekpe Community, Rivers state Ikechukwu Emeka stated that he was informed about the incident around 4:45am in the morning confirming that some victims of the inferno have been taken to the local hospital.
On determining number of victims a report have that about 15 persons are victims. Although, the chairman said that he can’t tell the actual numbers of the victim until after the inferno.
He also called on the government to create employment so as to discourage pipe line vandalization.
According ro him, “we call on the government to come to our aid, if there is employment all this kind of thing can not happen. Federal Government denying this community while they are benefiting from this community, state government denying this community while they are benefiting from this community, local government denying this community while they are benefiting from this community. Even the companies benefiting from this community are not ready to help this community.”