AITEO Exploration Ltd, operator of the 97 kilometre Nembe Creek Trunk Line, NCTL, has confirmed there is no loss of life in the explosion which occurred on Friday, March 1, 2019. A suspected explosion occurred in the Niger Delta, within the vicinity of Nembe Creek Well 7, behind Mile 1 Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

The company said despite initial challenges, its operations team were able to access the well head area when the fire had completely died down in the early hours of March 2.

In a press statement, the company said: “Preliminary investigations confirm that there were no fatalities; human incidents or damage to community property. All the wells and facilities in the immediate vicinity have been inspected and secured. This incident did not occur at or involve any part of the 97 kilometre pipeline, Nembe Creek Trunk Line, NCTL, or other pipelines. It is important to note that prior to this incident, all facilities had been shut down since 28 of February 2019 due to NCTL outage. Accordingly, any account suggesting that this incident arose from or affected any pipelines is wholly inaccurate and misleading.

“Full investigations to determine the cause of the fire and, in particular, to determine whether this may have been caused by third-party infractions, remain ongoing. These investigations are being pursued with the utmost urgency and have been given the highest priority.

“We are continuing to work with all the relevant authorities to restore full functionality to all the relevant installations and affected areas.”

Nevertheless, AITEO expressed its gratitude to all the stakeholders for your continuing support and understanding whilst urging calm and vigilance.

“As it becomes necessary, we shall continue to share information on these developments in due course,” it assured.