48 hours after explosion, decomposing bodies still litter Imo: Rep
Kingsley Uju-Chima (APC-Imo) has renewed calls to integrate artisanal refineries into the country’s refining regulations of the oil and gas industry as charred bodies remain unevacuated.
Mr Uju-Chima representing Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru Federal Constituency, said the proposed artisanal refinery was a possible permanent solution to the menace associated with illegal oil bunkering.
Mr Uju-Chima, who also expressed worry that 48 hours after the incident, many unclaimed corpses still littered the area, called on the Imo government to evacuate the corpses and as well fumigate the environment.
“We must, as a matter of urgency, evacuate these corpses so that the people alive will not be affected by the health hazard these decomposing bodies pose,” he added. “I am really pained and do not know why our people should be killed in this form because this is not our traditional means of livelihood. We have always survived through farming and fishing.”
The lawmaker made the call on Sunday following a visit to the site of Friday’s fire incident that killed over 100 people at an illegal bunkering site in his constituency.
“It is a national disaster which has put the entire community, local government area and constituency into a mourning mood. No amount of words will compensate for the situation I have seen here today,” said Mr Uju-Chima. “We have had a lot of bills and motions at the National Assembly in the past, and I have seen reason why we should take this more serious. I have seen reason why as Nigerians and people of oil-producing areas, we should have collaborative efforts to curb this menace of oil bunkering.”
He added, “Some time ago, I proposed artisanal refinery as a possible permanent solution to this menace. I know in the western world, they have grade A, grade B and grade C fuel, so if this illegal business could continue unabated despite security agents within this place, then we will try to see from the legislative sector whether we can have depots and artisanal refineries to put permanent stop to this menace.”
He called for a round table discussion among oil companies, community and religious leaders, youths and other stakeholders on the way forward.
(NAN)
More from Peoples Gazette
Economy
Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina
“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.
Rights
Court bars journalists from covering Sylvester Oromoni’s inquest
A coroner sitting in the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court has barred journalists and the public from covering and witnessing the inquest.
Jos
Bandits: Jos residents advised to light up neighbourhoods
Heads of vigilante groups and community leaders in Jos have called on residents of Plateau to light up their environment and streets.
Anti-Corruption
NDLEA nabs alleged drug baron Afam Ukatu linked to Abba Kyari
Ukatu, who is Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies, was eventually nabbed onboard a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport.
States
Driver jailed for stealing noodles
The Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun has sentenced a 21-year-old driver, Kenneth Divine, to one-month imprisonment for stealing noodles.
States
FRSC tells Enugu motorists to drive with common sense
The commander reminded travellers and motorists to plan their journeys on time, embark on the journeys early in the day and avoid night travels.
Rights
Police arrest eight Keke riders for public disturbance
On Monday, a Grade I Area Court in Karu, Abuja, ordered that eight tricycle riders be remanded in prison custody for disturbing public peace.
