Gas Pipeline Rupture Sparks Panic In Rivers Community

Many residents of Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, have evacuated their homes, fearing a potential ignition of a gas pipeline that ruptured in the vicinity on Friday.

It was gathered that there was leakage on a gas pipeline in Omoku town beside Grace Orphanage Home, off Egbada Road in Omoku main town reportedly operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC.

The rupture in the gas pipeline is claimed to be a consequence of equipment failure, attributed to the fact that the facility was installed in the 1960s.

Speaking on the development, Pastor Evaristus Nicholas, the Leader of Egbema Voice of Freedom, said that the pipelines are outdated and must be replaced without delay.

He said: “The ruptured pipeline is yet to be clamped by Agip or Oando as we speak. Gas fumes are in the air. The pipeline explosion was caused by corrosion, no casualty has been recorded so far but the pipeline is operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

“These pipelines are old, they were laid in the early 60s when Agip came to Onelga.

“Now that Oando Plc has acquired Agip, Oando should start thinking of replacing these obsolete pipelines with new ones, otherwise more explosions like these will be recorded.”

Chief Bright Abali, a resident chief in the area, appealed to NAOC and Oando Plc for an immediate fix to the ruptured pipeline, stressing the importance of preventing a possible explosion and protecting lives in the area.

Abali said: “Gas eruption is a regular occurrence along Agip pipelines, particularly inside the forest areas due to obsolete pipelines. The company has refused to change their old facilities used over decades.

“NAOC exploration impact has caused unquantifiable damages to the environment, health and general life of the people of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA of Rivers State and these unfriendly exploration practices must stop.”

Kanyi Daily recalls the Drama in Rivers State House of Assembly as lawmakers launched an impeachment proceeding against the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.