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Over 100 killed, vehicles razed as illegal refinery explodes in Imo

Published

4 years ago

April 24, 2022

No few than 100 people were killed on Friday night after an illegal refinery went up in flames at Abaezi community in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

Also, six vehicles were razed during the incident which threw the community into mourning.

Hundreds of people, Sunday PUNCH observed, visited the scene of the incident on Saturday to have a glimpse of the unfortunate development.

Our correspondent counted no fewer than 50 bodies burnt beyond recognition at the scene of the fire explosion, which was said to have happened at about 8pm.

The state Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, told our correspondent at the crime scene that the state government had declared the owner of the illegal refinery, Okenze Onyenwoke, wanted.

He advised the suspect whom he said was on the run to surrender himself at the nearest police station.

The Commissioner said, “This is a sad development. The Imo State Government has declared wanted Okenze Onyenwoke, who owns this illegal refinery. I advise him to hand himself over to the police or any security agency.

“This is wickedness; this is an economic sabotage. It is also destroying our youths. I therefore call on the youths to go away from this kind of illegitimate business. There are so many legitimate businesses one could do to make genuine money.”

An Indigene of the community, who identified himself simply as Ejike, told Sunday PUNCH that every person at the illegal refinery site was killed in the explosion, adding that over 100 people lost their lives in the incident.

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Ejike added that those who survived the explosion and were rushed to the hospital died on Saturday morning.

“No single person survived. Those who were rescued yesterday have all died this morning. The casualty figure is over 100. This is sad. People are rushing to look for their relations but the unfortunate thing is that the victims were burnt beyond recognition,” Ekije said.

Another indigene of the community, who identified himself as a local security operative, said people came from the South-East and South-South states to buy the illegal product in the community.

He said, “People come from Rivers, Bayelsa, Anambra, Abia states, even from Onitsha, to buy the product. It is a very active bunkering site. People come here in hundreds and the owner is a big man.

“This bunkering is sited right in the forest so that they will have liberty to do the illicit business. People troop from far and near to buy the product.”

A community leader, who refused to mention his name ostensibly to avoid been attacked by the syndicate involved in illegal oil refining in the area, lamented the environmental hazard caused in the communities by the illicit business.

He said, “Our community is in serious trouble. The level of environmental hazard is unbearable. Do you know that our crops are affected by this bunkering business?

“Do you know that our water now has taste as a result of this illegal bunkering? Do you know that even our cassava is affected by this activity? This is a campaign even you the media people have to help us fight. Our health, environment and means of livelihood are endangered.”

Also, the spokesman for a vigilante group in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Godknows Nkem, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

The incident happened at a location between Abacheke and Abaezi communities.

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Videos and pictures of the incident were already awash on the internet.

It was gathered that some of the victims were caught by the fire while they were running and trying to escape.

Unidentified burnt bodies littered the area even as family members were seen moving away the remains of their loved ones.

A community leader and President-General of the Supreme Council of Oil and Gas Producing Areas in Imo, Chief Collins Ajie, described the incident as ‘unfortunate’.

“It is unfortunate. A tragedy no one dreamt of where about 108 people got burnt beyond recognition due to illegal oil bunkering. The state and Federal Governments should step up efforts to stop this illegal bunkering because it has claimed many lives from Ohaji/Egbema and other Niger Delta areas.

“It’s shocking to see these bodies lying down here. Most of them are bread winners of their families. Most of them are young promising people, undergraduates and graduates,” he said.

The community leader noted that the Imo Government had some time ago made efforts to stop this illegal business, but it yielded no fruit.

According to him, some arrests were made, and some trucks and some boats impounded and burnt, yet it had not been able put the situation under control perhaps as a result of the involvement of high calibre individuals involved in the illegal trade.

He advised the state and Federal Governments to step up efforts at ending the illegal business.

“On our way coming, you could count about 34 checkpoints awaiting the illegal bunkerers and traders. So, If we have that figure and this illegal bunkering continued on a daily basis, then they have questions to answer,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr David Chibuike lamented that he was at the site in search of the remains of his elder sister.

“I heard the information about the incident and I had to rush down because my sister, who was married to someone in this community, was involved. I came to identify her body but couldn’t recognize her here,” he said while shedding tears.

He also called on government and security agencies to put an end to the illegal bunkering to prevent such huge loss of lives.

CP orders probe into incident

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Muhammed Berde, has ordered investigation into the Friday night’s fire outbreak at an illegal refinery located in a forest at Abaezi community in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of the state which claimed no fewer than 100 lives.

Speaking to our correspondent in a telephone conversation, the police spokesperson for the Command, Micheal Abattam, told our correspondent that the cause of the fire outbreak had not been ascertained.

He therefore disclosed that the CP had order an investigation for the cause of the inferno be unravelled.

PUNCH

Related Topics:Featured illegal refinery Imo vehicles

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Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

Published

10 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

A promising young Nigerian’s dream of becoming a medical doctor has been tragically cut short after Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old final-year student of Kharkiv National Medical University (KNMU), died from injuries sustained in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, just days before her graduation.

Marian died on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at a specialist hospital in Germany, where she had been receiving intensive medical treatment after suffering catastrophic injuries during a Russian aerial bombardment on June 29.

The Nigerian student had travelled to Kharkiv with her close friend, Fatima Huseynova, for their graduation ceremony after both had continued their studies remotely from Azerbaijan following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The two friends were reportedly on their way to a graduation photoshoot on June 29 when Russian forces launched a guided aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskyi district.

Huseynova was killed instantly in the explosion, while Marian sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Kharkiv before being transferred to Germany for advanced treatment.

Despite the efforts of medical teams in both Ukraine and Germany, Marian succumbed to her injuries nearly a week later.

The graduation ceremony was scheduled for June 30, making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking for her family, classmates and lecturers.

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In a statement confirming her death, Kharkiv National Medical University described Marian as one of its brightest and most dedicated students.

“As a result of enemy shelling, Nnani Adaobi Marian was seriously injured. Doctors fought for her life until the last moment, first in Kharkiv and later in Germany. Everyone sympathised, helped and hoped for her recovery, but unfortunately, despite the doctors’ efforts, they could not save her,” the university said.

The institution said Marian enrolled in the university in 2020 and distinguished herself through academic excellence, compassion and commitment to the medical profession.

According to the university, she participated in international medical training programmes at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in Türkiye in 2025, where she further developed her clinical skills and contributed to scientific research.

The university described her as “bright, sincere and kind-hearted,” noting that she was admired for her humility, strong work ethic and unwavering passion for helping others.

Family members disclosed that Marian suffered devastating injuries during the attack, including severe burns, multiple shrapnel wounds, significant eye injuries and the amputation of one leg.

She was reportedly treated for burns covering about 90 per cent of her body before doctors transferred her to Germany in a last effort to save her life.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the June 29 bombardment formed part of a wider wave of Russian attacks targeting the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

The attacks reportedly killed at least 14 civilians and injured 98 others, highlighting the continuing humanitarian consequences of the more than four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Marian’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and within the international academic community, with tributes describing her as an exceptionally gifted student whose lifelong ambition of becoming a doctor was cruelly interrupted just days before graduation.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the safety and welfare of international students studying in conflict zones, as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

For many Nigerians following the war, Marian’s death has become a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost of armed conflict and the countless lives and aspirations that continue to be lost far from home.

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

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ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

Published

10 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise, opening applications for qualified Nigerians seeking employment in the Corps across the Officer, Marshal Inspectorate (MI) and Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) cadres.

The recruitment portal opened on Friday, July 3, 2026, and applications will remain open for four weeks through the official FRSC recruitment portal.

The Corps has emphasised that the recruitment exercise is completely free, warning applicants against paying money to individuals or organisations claiming to offer employment or recruitment assistance.

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility criteria and prepare all required documents before beginning the online registration process.

Who is eligible for the 2026 FRSC recruitment?

To qualify for the 2026 FRSC recruitment, applicants must satisfy the Corps’ general entry requirements.

Applicants must:

Be Nigerian citizens by birth.
Be medically, physically and psychologically fit.
Be of good character and free from any criminal conviction.
Not belong to any secret cult or fraternity.
Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
Meet the minimum height requirement of 1.65 metres for males and 1.58 metres for females.
Possess the minimum academic qualification required for the cadre they intend to apply for.

Applicants who fail to meet these requirements may be disqualified during screening.

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Cadres available in the 2026 FRSC recruitment

The Corps has opened recruitment into three major categories.

Officer Cadre

This category is designed for graduates and professionals with qualifications such as B.Sc., BA, HND, MBBS, LLB, B.Pharm, B.Eng. and other recognised degrees.

Applicants must possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate and be between 18 and 35 years of age.

Marshal Inspectorate (MI) Cadre

Candidates with ND, NCE, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and other recognised health-related qualifications are eligible.

Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old.

Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) Cadre

The Road Marshal Assistant category is open to applicants with WAEC, NECO or NABTEB qualifications.

Candidates are expected to possess between three and five O’Level credits, depending on the position, including English Language and Mathematics where required.

Drivers, riders and artisans—including mechanics, electricians, welders, plumbers, tailors and other skilled workers—may also apply provided they possess the relevant trade certificates and valid driver’s licence where applicable.

Heavy-duty truck drivers may be considered up to 40 years of age.

Documents required for FRSC recruitment

Before beginning the application, applicants should have the following documents ready:

National Identification Number (NIN)
Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
Local Government Certificate of Origin
Primary and secondary school certificates
Tertiary institution certificates (where applicable)
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Professional licences (where applicable)
Trade Test Certificate (for artisans)
Valid driver’s licence (for drivers)
Recent passport photograph
Valid email address
Active mobile phone number

Step-by-step guide to apply for 2026 FRSC recruitment

Step 1: Visit the official recruitment portal

Go to the official FRSC recruitment portal at:

https://recruitment.frsc.gov.ng

Applicants are advised to avoid unofficial websites and recruitment agents.

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Step 2: Create an account

Email address
Phone number
National Identification Number (NIN)

Create a secure password for your account.

Step 3: Verify your email

After registration, check your email inbox and click the activation link sent by the FRSC to verify your account.

Step 4: Complete the online application form

Log into the portal and provide accurate information, including:

Personal details
Educational qualifications
Employment history (where applicable)
Contact information
Next-of-kin details
Referee information

Applicants are advised to ensure all details correspond with their official documents.

Step 5: Upload required documents

Upload scanned copies of all requested credentials and a recent passport photograph.

Ensure the documents are clear, readable and meet the portal’s upload specifications.

Step 6: Review and submit your application

Carefully review every section of the application before submission.

Once satisfied, click the Submit button.

Step 7: Print your acknowledgement slip

Immediately print your completed application form and acknowledgement slip after submission.

The documents will be required during the Computer-Based Test (CBT), physical screening and credential verification for shortlisted candidates.

FRSC warns against recruitment fraud

The Federal Road Safety Corps has reiterated that the recruitment exercise is entirely free of charge.

Applicants have been advised not to pay money to anyone claiming to facilitate employment into the Corps.

The FRSC also urged candidates to use only their personal email addresses and telephone numbers throughout the recruitment process, as all official notifications—including CBT invitations, screening schedules and shortlisting updates—will be communicated through the contact details provided during registration.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the portal closes and regularly monitor the official recruitment portal for updates.

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

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Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

Published

11 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

The controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC) has taken a new turn after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reportedly arrested the father of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, the man facing criminal charges over his alleged role as the council’s Director-General.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, described the arrest as unlawful, insisting that Nigerian law does not permit the arrest of relatives in place of criminal suspects.

Falana disclosed on Monday that police officers stormed the Adeniyi family residence at Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where they arrested Adeniyi’s father during a raid.

According to him, a family friend who had visited the residence on Monday morning was also taken into custody.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Falana questioned the legal basis for the operation, maintaining that the suspect had already undertaken to appear before the court.

“Police have now stormed the house of the parents of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso.

“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to show up in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.

Eyewitnesses in the area reportedly said the officers arrived in multiple vehicles before taking the elderly man away. Residents also claimed the operation caused panic within the neighbourhood, while Adeniyi’s elderly mother was left distressed by the incident.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official statement explaining the arrests.

The latest development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency has maintained is not a legally recognised government agency.

Prince Adeniyi is currently facing criminal charges, including forgery, impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, and other related offences.

Federal authorities allege that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council using forged appointment letters and official documents to project the PFIPC as a legitimate federal institution.

However, Adeniyi has denied the allegations, insisting that his appointment was genuine and that he will defend himself before the court.

Falana has consistently argued that allegations against Adeniyi should be determined strictly through the judicial process. The senior lawyer recently maintained that the Presidency lacks constitutional powers to declare anyone guilty or innocent of criminal allegations, stressing that such decisions remain the exclusive responsibility of the courts.

He also warned against actions capable of intimidating parties connected to the case while proceedings remain before the court.

Beyond the criminal trial, the controversy has triggered broader questions about how the alleged council reportedly operated for months.

Falana has called for an independent investigation into claims that the organisation maintained offices within the Federal Secretariat, allegedly operated bank accounts, interacted with public institutions and even appeared in the 2026 Federal Budget, despite government officials insisting that the council never legally existed.

The senior lawyer has also urged authorities to identify any public officials who may have facilitated the activities of the alleged organisation.

On its part, the Presidency has distanced itself from the PFIPC, describing the organisation as fictitious while directing security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police, to investigate everyone connected with the alleged scheme.

The criminal case against Adeniyi remains before the court, with no judicial determination yet made on the allegations.

The reported arrest of his father has, however, introduced a fresh legal and human rights dimension to a case that continues to generate national attention.