Local sources said those who died at the spot of the latest explosion included a couple and the only son of another family.
One of the sources claimed that a Shell pipeline which runs through Uzuaku/Owaza axis did not have crude oil for several weeks which led to the stoppage of illegal oil bunkering activities in the area. The source alleged that when the company resumed the pumping of crude oil on the pipeline, the illegal operators went back to their business.
A community leader, who sought anonymity, claimed that while those burnt to death at the scene of the incident were buried immediately, a few others died later at the hospital and some were still recovering. He said the death toll so far has hit 10 persons as at press time. But when contacted, the police public relations officer in charge of Abia State, Mr Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he was not aware of the incident.
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