By: NIGPOST Reporter
Date: April 26, 2026
A devastating explosion linked to illegal petroleum storage has once again raised concerns about unsafe practices in Rivers State.
In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday, April 26, 2025, five individuals lost their lives following a massive explosion at a residence in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State.
The explosion, reportedly fueled by illegally refined petroleum products, highlights the growing dangers associated with unregulated oil activities in the Niger Delta region.
According to the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), the fire erupted at a location where illegal petroleum products, including condensate, were being stored for resale.
Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the executive director of YEAC-Nigeria, confirmed the tragic event through an official statement, stressing the urgent need for stricter measures against such unsafe practices.
The explosion occurred around 11 AM, leading to a ferocious fire that claimed the lives of five individuals — four women and one man — all burned beyond recognition. Witnesses described the horrifying scene as flames engulfed the residential property, leaving little chance for rescue efforts.
Further investigations revealed that the incident started when a resident attempted to cook a meal using a stove near the highly flammable storage area.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed that the explosion was ignited by a stove used to prepare Indomie noodles close to the stored petroleum products.
“Preliminary findings show that someone brought a lighted stove close to the stored condensate kerosene, which led to the fire outbreak,” Iringe-Koko explained. She also mentioned that four deaths had initially been confirmed, with further investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.
The tragedy has reignited calls for the regulation and legalization of artisanal refining in the Niger Delta. YEAC-Nigeria emphasized that the federal government must revisit its July 27, 2020, proposed Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI).
By formalizing and regulating artisanal refineries, the government can mitigate the frequent fire disasters resulting from illegal oil storage.
Dr. Fyneface urged youths and residents to steer clear of activities like pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and the home storage of refined products. He warned that beyond the risk to lives, such practices devastate communities, pollute the environment, and sabotage the nation’s economy.
“This incident is yet another painful reminder of the dangers associated with the illegal oil trade,” Fyneface stated. “We must act decisively to prevent future tragedies by supporting initiatives that promote safe and legal refining practices.”
Local residents expressed shock and grief over the incident, noting that the victims were well-known members of the community. “It’s a big loss for us. Those people were just trying to make a living, but it cost them their lives,” said a neighbor who requested anonymity.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly. The police assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents and clamp down on illegal storage sites across the state.
As investigations continue, many are left wondering how many more lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken. The Niger Delta, rich in oil resources, continues to suffer under the weight of unsafe practices and unregulated activities. Experts agree that unless proactive steps are taken, such tragedies may become even more frequent.
The incident in ONELGA serves as a grim reminder that while poverty and unemployment may drive illegal activities, the ultimate price is often far greater than the profits gained.
Stay informed and help spread awareness about the dangers of illegal petroleum activities.
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