Unconfirmed reports say there is another explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the Rivers State. A source in the area alleged that the explosion happened on a Manifold Connecting federal a line in Okwawriwa area in ONELGA, Tuesday morning. The source, who did not want his name mentioned, claimed that the people of the area only woke up to observe raging fire on the facility located some distance away from residential homes. The source noted that the facility conveys petroleum products from Seplat, Agip, and Shell, from the ONELGA and parts of Imo State to Brass in Bayelsa State.
This is coming less than 12 hours after the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, that transports oil to Bonny Terminal had gone into flames. However, at press time it could not be ascertained whether the fire incidences at both facilities were caused by human activities. But police in the state had in a statement earlier on the incident at qq1, Gokana LGA, said it has opened an investigation into the development. Although, police said they have taken two people in for interrogation over the explosion on Trans-Niger Pipeline.
Meanwhile the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident on Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, but quickly assured residents of safety. Police while confirming that the facility is operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, mentioned that two people have been arrested for questioning over the development. The command noted that the incident happened Monday night, assuring that the situation has been brought under control.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, did not note if the development was caused by a Militant group.
Iringe-Koko in the statement also did not mention if the fire was as a result of an explosion or a spill that later got burnt. She stated that a surveillance team in the area observed the fire incident and reported to the operators, adding that there is not further threat. She said: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a fire incident occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.
“During a routine night patrol, security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted SPDC management. The latter initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline. As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.” Iringe-Koko, however, disclosed that police have opened investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the fire, adding that two people have been arrested for interrogation.
“The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In connection with this, two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage. The Command remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities are identified and brought to justice. We urge residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them of our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain peace and security for all,” he added.
