Omoku Pipeline Explosion: About 20 Dead, 15 Sustained Injuries
Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Nigeria – A pipeline explosion on Sunday night claimed the lives of 20 people who were allegedly involved in oil theft at Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government area of Rivers state. Fifteen others who sustained various degrees of fire burns are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
The incident occurred at a high-powered pressure multiple trunk line belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), which conveys different products to its facility at OB plant. The victims were reportedly attempting to steal crude from the pipelines when the explosion happened.
The chairman of Ogba Egbema Nodoni local government area, Vincent Job, who confirmed the number of casualties to ait.live, expressed regret over the avoidable deaths and blamed the security personnel manning the oil facility for compromise and collusion with the oil thieves.
He said the security agents were supposed to prevent such illegal activities and protect the oil infrastructure, but instead they were aiding and abetting the criminals. He called on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice.
A local security outfit, the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), led journalists to the explosion site and cautioned youths to stop destroying oil facilities meant for economic advancement of the country. They said such acts of vandalism and sabotage not only endanger lives and property, but also affect the revenue and development of the nation.
As at the time of filing this report, the trunk line has been shut down awaiting repairs from the NAOC.
