LAGOS JULY 8TH (URHOBOTODAY)-No fewer than seven persons were reported to have lost their lives while scores were on injured , when the oven at a local-illegal refining exploded in Urhobo community of Otor-Edo, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.
Our source who spoke on strict condition of anonymity revealed that the cause of the explosion was yet to be known but disclosed that seven persons have so far been confirmed dead, while several others sustained varies degrees of injuries.
Otor-Edo community and some neighbouring villages in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State was recently in the lime light due to activities of vandals who pitched their tent in the community for illegal refining business.
According to reports, the business thrived for some months in the area until the Nigerian Army and other security agencies overran the area, destroying all illegal tanks and other materials used by vandals.
With the destruction of equipments/tools such as locally constructed tanks, generators, holes, valves, welding machines and others which was said amounts to millions of naira, it was expected that it will put a stop to the business couple with incessant loss of lives due to fire outbreak.
But far from this, the business seems to thrive daily due to huge income. Those involved benefit from it and as it was alleged to be the only source of livelihood for the youths in the region.
With the recent happenings, it is germane to say the hoodlums have regrouped despite security presence in the area.
Meanwhile, the surveillance unit of the NPDC has been accused of complicity with vandals as they cannot deny knowledge of what is happening in area they claim to be watching.