By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The bodies of two women, Roseline Onwuka of Ozala village, Isuofia and Ebere Ibejiekwe, a native Isiaku, Isuofia both in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, were recently damaged beyond recognition following the explosion of adulterated kerosene in their homes.

The duo were said to have bought the suspected adulterated kerosene from one Chidiebere Umeobo, a keroseneseller at Nkwo Igboukwu market, and took it home for use only for disaster to happen.

It was gathered that the kerosene exploded when they used it in their lantern and stove respectively, leading to explosion.

As a result, both women sustained varying degrees of burns all over their body while parts of their houses were also gutted by fire following the explosion.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, partly reads: “On the 19/2/2020 at about 5:45pm, there was a report at Iboukwu Division that between 12th and 13th February, 2020, one Roseline Onwuka ‘f’ of Ozala village Isuofia and Ebere Ibejiekwe ‘f’ of Isiaku village Isuofia bought kerosene suspected to be adulterated from one Chidiebere Umeobi, a Kerosene seller at Nkwor Igboukwu Market, and took the kerosene to their various houses.

“That the kerosene exploded when they used it in their lantern and stove respectively. As a result, both Mrs Roseline Onwuka and Ebere Ibejiekwe sustained varying degrees of burns all over their body while parts of their houses was also gutted by fire which emanates from the keroseneexplosion.”

He said that both victims are receiving treatment at the hospital even as the scene was visited by Police detectives attached to Igboukwu division and photographs taken.

According to him, the suspect has been arrested while samples of the kerosene was collected and taken to DPR for analysis while the case is under investigation.