Ruptures reported in Agip/Oando gas pipeline
A gas explosion originating from a pipeline jointly operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company and Oando Plc has shaken Omoku town in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
The incident, which began yesterday near Grace Orphanage Home off Egbada Road in Omoku’s main town, is suspected to be caused by equipment failure, with the pipelines laid by NAOC since the early 1960s.
Confirming the event, the Egbema Voice of Freedom reported that the ruptured gas pipeline has yet to be repaired, putting residents in the area at risk of a potential fire explosion.
Pastor Evaristus Ukaonu Nicholas, the leader of Egbema Voice of Freedom, urged Oando Plc’s management to promptly initiate the replacement of all Agip facilities in ONELGA, citing obsolescence as a concern
“The ruptured pipeline is yet to be clamped by Agip or Oando as we speak. Gas fumes is 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 since the early 1960s 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.”
Ambassador Bright Abali, a stakeholder in the area, in the same vein has called on the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Oando Plc to urgently address a leaking pipeline to prevent potential hazards in Omoku city.
He highlighted the need for NAOC to replace and maintain their outdated facilities, emphasizing that the company’s failure to do so has deprived the youth in the area of employment opportunities that such projects could create for host communities.
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The call underscores the importance of proactive measures to address infrastructure issues and prevent potential environmental and safety risks.
“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
