Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Ltd. says a suspected vandal died in Wednesday’s explosion at its flow station in Izombe, Imo.

The oil firm in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Awatt Etta, said an unexploded explosive device and the corpse of the suspected vandal were found were discovered on its premises.

Addax said it was collaborating with regulatory agencies and security agencies in ongoing investigations into the explosion.

“At about 1:15 a.m. on May 4, an explosion occurred along a trackroad leading to one of the well heads at Izombe flow station in OML 124.

“An immediate search was conducted,  and unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a corpse were found at the scene.

Government, security and regulatory agencies were promptly notified of the incident. The poice bomb disposal unit have detonated the IEDs and deposited the corpse at the mortuary,” Addax statement said. “Details of the incident are still sketchy, but it is suspected that the bomb which   detonated and caused the explosion was being carried by the deceased who is yet to be identifed.”

It added, “We are currently working with relevant authorities investigating the incident. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

Police spokesman in Imo, CSP Mike Abattam, who also confirmed the incident, said security had been reinforced in the area. 

(NAN)