The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that the death toll in Friday’s illegal refinery explosion in Abaeze community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government of Imo State has risen to 110.

The acting Head of Imo/Abia Operations Office of the agency, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji, made the disclosure on Monday.

Nnaji said more dead bodies were recovered in Orashi River, near the scene of the incident on Sunday, while some died at various hospitals to increase the total casualty figure so far.

It would be recalled that an illegal refinery situated at the Abaeze forest in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government exploded on Saturday and killed no fewer than 100 people.

Emergency workers in Imo led by Nnaji had been on ground since the incident to carry out rescue operations and evacuate dead bodies.

The NEMA boss further disclosed that arrangements have been made to carry out mass burial of the corpses.

READ ALSO: Over 100 dead as illegal refinery explodes in Imo

When asked the cause of the disaster, Nnaji said: “We are yet to ascertain what led to the fire disaster.

“Those who should tell the story and give insight to the incident are all dead, we are still on ground and we will soon come out with a report on the incident.”

Nnaji further appealed to government to create the enabling environment for genuine business to flourish within the oil-producing communities in Imo to discourage youths from engaging in illegal activities

He also appealed to oil companies in the area to assist government in job creation for their host communities.

The Star