Residents of Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have been thrown into a state of frenzied panic as a gas pipeline ruptured in the community, News About Nigeria reports.
The people feared that the rupture, resulting from a leakage, might burst into flames, prompting residents to flee the comfort of their homes.
The gas pipeline, which ruptured on Friday beside the Grace Orphanage Home in Omoku town off Egbada Road in the main town, was reportedly operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).
It was reported that the leakage and rupture discovered on the gas pipeline were due to the failure of the equipment used in its operations, which, according to the people, had been installed in the 60s.
The leader of Egbema Voice of Freedom, Pastor Evaristus Nicholas, speaking about the incident, noted that the pipelines had been neglected and were no longer in use. Therefore, they had to be replaced with immediate effect.
He disclosed that neither Agip nor Oando had taken steps to support the pipeline, holding it together. He emphasized that gas fumes from the pipeline were heavy, polluting the air.
Pastor Nicholas also noted that the explosion by the pipeline was due to its corrosion, expressing his relief that no casualties were recorded. However, he called on the Nigerian Agip Oil Company to address the ruptured pipeline promptly to prevent any harm.
