Location:
Ohaji-Egbema, Imo, Nigeria, Nigeria, West Africa
Incident Date:
January 31, 2024
Instability Rating Max 5.0:
2.50
Deaths:
30
Fatalities type:
- Civilian
DESCRIPTION::
Over 30 individuals are feared dead in Imo State after a tanker, suspected to be used by oil bunkers, exploded in the forest of Obitti, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. The incident occurred along the Ndorama pipeline right of way in the Obitti rubber estate. Conflicting reports suggest the explosion resulted from gunfire between rival groups in the oil bunkering business or a planned attack by leaders in the sector. A community leader claimed the victims trespassed into the territory controlled by an influential figure involved in illegal bunkering. The Imo State Police has initiated a high-power investigation team to determine the cause and apprehend those responsible.