Two siblings have been severely burnt in a kerosene explosion in the Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The father of the victims, Mr Washington Udoh, who is a priest, said the explosion occurred last week in the evening in church premises where he sought refuge with them in the wake of the communal clash between Ochon people in Obubra and Alesi people in Ikom, where some lives were lost.

He said the kerosene suspected to be adulterated was bought from a boy who hawked it for a guardian, adding that “we have tried to locate the hawker and his guardian in vain.”

Udoh said, “I was not present when the incident happened but neighbours had to rescue my children, who are 11 and 13, on my behalf. I thought the Church was safer when I escaped from the deadly communal clash.

“The burn was severe. They have been in the General Hospital in Obubra where they are receiving treatment.”

He appealed for financial support from the public, adding that doctors may ask him to take his children home because of the high cost, and bring them for treatment as outpatients.

He called on government to curb the adulteration of petroleum products in the state. (The PUNCH)