Five Killed in Omoku Explosion Caused by Storage of Illegally Refined Petroleum Products

• The explosion occurred on yesterday, April 26, 2025. 
• It was caused by the storage of illegally refined petroleum products, including kerosene, in one of the rooms.
• The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the explosion in Omoku, attributing the cause to negligence.

A tragic explosion in a residential area of Omoku, Rivers State, has claimed the lives of at least five individuals.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident, which occurred on Saturday, was reportedly caused by the storage of illegally refined petroleum products, including kerosene, in one of the rooms.

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The victims, who were occupants of the residence, regularly bought and stored the products for resale to the public.

Confirming the incident, Fyneface Dumnamene, Environmentalist and Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, expressed concern over the unsafe handling and storage of such hazardous materials in residential areas.

“The incident occurred in the late hours of Saturday, April 26, killing five persons — four females and one male — who were burnt beyond recognition,” the statement said.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the explosion in Omoku, attributing the cause to negligence.

Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko stated that a resident had brought a cooking stove into the area to prepare noodles, inadvertently igniting the highly flammable materials stored there.

This recent incident is part of a series of similar explosions in Rivers State, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of handling and storing illegally refined petroleum products.

“In March, two major explosions were recorded one at the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, and another at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

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Authorities continue to issue warnings against the handling and distribution of illegally refined petroleum products due to the serious risks they pose to lives and property.

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