By Ollus Ndomu
At least 15 people, including a pregnant woman, tragically lost their lives when an illegal oil refinery exploded into flames in southern Nigeria.
A security official on the scene reported that the deadly blaze was ignited when the illicit refinery accidentally set fire to a nearby oil reservoir.
According to local media, the victims suffered severe burns, shedding light on the dangerous conditions surrounding these hidden makeshift refineries nestled within the swamps of the Niger Delta.
This unfortunate event underscores the dire need for enhanced safety protocols and the regulation of these hazardous operations in the region.
Incidents of accidents and spills have sadly become a recurring issue in the Niger Delta, where these covert refineries operate in secrecy amid the swampy terrain.
In Nigeria, the pursuit of illegal oil refining, often driven by economic desperation, continues to jeopardize lives and the environment alike.
