Olayemi Esan
There
were fears among residents in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on Friday
following the leakage of a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation.
According to residents, they noticed the
leakage around 06:00 am on Friday, and the situation led to confusion
and fear in the area.
It was learnt that occupants of nearby buildings rushed out of their houses while some immediately offloaded their belongings.
“We
have immediately called Lagos State emergency line when the situation
happened. We were scared and hope that this does not lead to a fire
outbreak.
“Some people are parking their belongings already. Vehicles
around the area have been moved away,” one of the residents told our
correspondent on the telephone.
Reacting, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the leakage was caused by pipeline vandalism.
The
Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Olufemi
Oke-Osanyintolu, said this while confirming the incident.
He said,
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, Omoboriowo Street, Pipeline Bus
Stop Igando-Ikotun Road, Igando, it was observed that a very large
volume of PMS was gushing out of the NNPC pipeline.
“Further
investigation revealed that the heavy flow of PMS was caused by
suspected pipeline vandalism and bunkering in the early hours of August
27.
“Presently, there is no loss of life and property, serious
sensitization, public education and awareness are ongoing in the entire
community.
“This is to avoid any form of open flame and burning in order to avoid any form of explosion or any other secondary incident.
“Responders at the incident scene are LASEMA, LRU Fire, Lagos State Fire Service, NSCDC, NNPC, LASTMA and LNSC.
“Three
fire trucks are currently on the ground, while the NNPC maintenance
team is working to stop the flow in order to commence repairs.
Operations are still ongoing.”
