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Many inhabitants of Omoku Town in Rivers State's Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area have evacuated their houses, fearing that a pipeline that ruptured in the area on Friday might explode into flames.
According to reports, a gas pipeline in Omoku town alongside Grace Orphanage Home, off Egbada Road in Omoku main town, operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, has leaked.
The gas pipeline break was allegedly caused by technical failure, given the plant was built in the 1960s.
Pastor Evaristus Nicholas, leader of Egbema Voice of Freedom, commented on the development, saying the pipelines were old and should be replaced quickly.
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 casualties 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 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.”
A chief in the area, who resides in the area, Chief Bright Abali, called on NAOC and Oando Plc to immediately fix the ruptured pipeline to prevent a possible explosion and loss of lives in the area.
Abali said: “Gas eruptions is a regular occurrence along Agip pipelines, particularly inside forest areas due to obsolete pipelines. The company has refused to change the old facilities it has used for decades.
