More than 20 individuals were reportedly feared dead in a crude oil explosion that occurred in a community in Rivers State.
The incident occurred during the weekend at a waterfront location in Omoku, the administrative center of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, a significant oil and gas hub in the South-South state.
Those who suffered varying degrees of burns are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals in the town.
As of the time of reporting, there is no accurate information available regarding the cause of the explosion and the precise number of casualties.
According to a youth leader in the community, the explosion took place as artisans were distributing stolen crude in containers for personal use. However, a journalist in the area suggested that the individuals involved were likely tapping crude from an underground pipe when the explosion occurred.