At least five persons were killed on Saturday following a deadly explosion in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Fyneface Dumnamene, an environmentalist and Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement. He said the explosion occurred in a residential building reportedly used for storing illegally refined petroleum products.

According to Dumnamene, the occupants of the residence were involved in the purchase, storage, and resale of illegally refined kerosene and other petroleum products to members of the public.

He disclosed that the explosion happened around 11 a.m. and claimed the lives of five people — four females and one male — who were burnt beyond recognition.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, also confirmed the incident and explained the cause of the explosion.

“What really caused the fire was that a resident brought a cooking stove into the premises and was preparing noodles, which ignited the fire,” she said.

Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident, while residents are being warned to desist from activities involving illegally refined petroleum products