Residents of Obianime-Ama Group in Okrika Native Authorities Space of Rivers State are on edge following the invention of a ruptured pipeline leaking an unidentified petroleum product in broad daylight.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has raised considerations about potential environmental hazards and security dangers within the space.
Channels Tv gathered from sources that the affected pipeline belongs to the Pipeline and Merchandise Advertising Firm (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Firm Restricted (NNPCL).
Eyewitnesses reported that the leakage started round 2:30 pm close to a location reverse the PPMC facility in Okrika LGA.
Regardless of efforts by group members to comprise the spill, the scenario stays unresolved, prompting residents to cordon off the world and limit vehicular and bike motion as a precautionary measure.
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Photos made obtainable to Channels Tv revealed the extent of the leakage, with residents expressing frustration over the dearth of speedy response from the pipeline’s operators.
Whereas some speculated that the rupture might need been attributable to vandalism, others dismissed the likelihood, citing the presence of safety personnel guarding the ability nightly.
One resident, who selected to stay nameless, said, “It will probably’t be vandalism. Individuals guard this place each evening, in order that sort of factor is inconceivable. The pipeline is previous and must be changed.”
Efforts to achieve the Chairman of the Obianime-Ama Group Growth Committee and the administration of PPMC for feedback have been unsuccessful on the time of submitting this report.
In the meantime, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) issued a press launch on Sunday, confirming the incident and calling for pressing motion.
In keeping with the assertion signed by its Govt Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the leakage and subsequent explosion occurred on the PPMC pipeline proper of method in Okrika.
The incident was reportedly linked to ongoing upkeep work by contractors following an earlier incident on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
YEAC-Nigeria’s youth volunteers, below the One Million Youth Volunteers Community of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters within the Niger Delta, documented the incident with video proof exhibiting flames erupting from the pipeline.
The inferno was ultimately extinguished later the identical day. The group has referred to as on related authorities, together with the Nationwide Oil Spill Detection and Response Company (NOSDRA), to conduct a Joint Investigation Go to (JIV) to find out the reason for the leakage and explosion.
YEAC-Nigeria additionally urged the federal government to carry accountable these answerable for the incident, invoking relevant sections of the Petroleum Trade Act (PIA), 2021.
Fyneface emphasised the necessity for an intensive investigation into the recurring oil spillages and explosions within the Niger Delta, notably in Rivers State, to mitigate their antagonistic environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Because the scenario in Obianime-Ama stays tense, residents are calling for swift motion to restore the pipeline and forestall additional injury to their group and atmosphere.
The publish Pressure Grips Rivers Group As Ruptured Pipeline Leaks Petroleum Product Unchecked appeared first on Channels Tv.
