There was panic in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on Friday following the leakage of a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Residents said they noticed the leakage around 06 am on Friday.
According to them, 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.
The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said this while confirming the incident.
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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.”
“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.
Meanwhile, residents of Ikotun, Igando and other sensitive areas where the spilled content of vandalised pipeline have been advised not to open the market for operations today.
It was learnt that while the repairs of the vandalised pipeline had been completed, the content had spread far to other areas through drainages.
“We are appealing to residents of the affected areas to desist from using any flammable light of whatever nature to prevent explosion. ” NEMA said.
It added, “NNPC had shut down the valves in order to suffocate the supply of further content .
“Efforts are ongoing to decapitate the efficacy of the PMS in order to prevent explosion.
Spilled content in the drainage have been traced up to ikotun. It is very sure that there is no cause alarm as there is no possibility of explosion expected because blanketing operations ongoing.”
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