By Cecilia Ologunagba

New York, April 25, 2022

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr Mahamat Annadif, on Monday offered condolences to Nigeria over the Imo illegal refinery explosion.

Annadif stated in New York, United States of America (USA) that he learnt with deep emotion, the tragic explosion that occurred on Friday at a gasoline refinery in Imo.

The explosion which occurred at the Abaeze forest in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo killed at least 100 persons.

Annadif wished those injured in the explosion speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stated that the death toll at the refinery had risen to 110.

Acting Head of Imo/Abia Operations Office of the agency, Mr Ifeanyi Nnaji, told NAN on Monday that more dead bodies were recovered in Orashi River, near the scene.

He said arrangements were on to carry out mass burial of the corpses.

Nnaji said also that NEMA would soon present an official report on the incident.