Tension Grips Rivers Community As Ruptured Pipeline Leaks Petroleum Product Unchecked

 

A ruptured pipeline leaking an unidentified petroleum product in broad daylight has stirred panic among residents of Obianime-Ama Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred on Sunday, causing significant concerns over potential environmental hazards and safety risks in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) owns the affected pipeline.

Despite efforts by community members to contain the spill, which began at approximately 2:30 pm,  near a location opposite the PPMC facility in Okrika LGA,  the situation remains unresolved, prompting the residents to take swift action.

The community, in a bid to further minimize risk, barricade off an area and restricted vehicular and motorcycle movement as a precautionary measure.

Photos obtained revealed the extent of the leakage, which continued to cause frustration among residents.

While some residents speculated that the rupture might have been caused by vandalism, others rejected the idea, citing the presence of security personnel who guard the facility nightly.

One anonymous resident stated, “It can’t be vandalism. People guard this place every night, so that kind of thing is impossible. The pipeline is old and needs to be replaced.”