Imo residents fear epidemic as mass burial fails to hold State orders manhunt for illegal refinery operators
The anticipated mass burial for victims of the explosion which rocked an illegal refinery in Imo State did not hold as scheduled. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, had said the exercise would be conducted yesterday.
No fewer than 110 persons were killed at Abaezi forest in Abacheke Kpofire community in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of the state when an illegal oil refinery suddenly went up in flames on Friday night.
However, residents have expressed fear about the possible outbreak of an epidemic, saying the stench oozing from the area was becoming unbearable.
A resident, who simply identified himself as Kevin, told our correspondent that there might be a mass exodus from the community if the bodies of the victims were not disposed of immediately.
He said, “The stench coming from the decomposing bodies is becoming unbearable. We understand the difficulties the terrain is posing but we urge the state government to do something about it as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, illegal refinery operators operating in the state are on the run as security beam their searchlight on them.
Emelumba, in a statement yesterday said Governor Hope Uzodimma had ordered the state’s ministry of environment to evacuate charred remains of the victims for mass burial.
He said the fumigation of the scene would begin immediately after the mass burial of the victims.
The statement quoted Uzodimma as describing the disaster as unfortunate while condoling with the families of the victims.