A crude oil pipeline has reportedly ruptured and exploded in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, spilling crude oil into the surrounding environment.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, October 15, along the Trans-Niger Pipeline, which transports crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal.
The spill spread thick, brown, muddy crude oil across an area extending more than 200 metres from the point of rupture, covering nearby residential and commercial areas.
Residents reportedly fled the affected area amid fears that the spilled crude oil could ignite and trigger a fire.
The incident comes barely weeks after a gas pipeline between the Indorama industrial complex and the Port Harcourt Refinery complex reportedly developed a leak, raising fresh concerns about the safety of oil and gas infrastructure in the area.
The cause of the latest pipeline rupture had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
Emergency response agencies and Renaissance Energy Africa Company Limited, the operator of the pipeline, were yet to arrive at the scene.
Contacted, an official of Renaissance, who advised that an email be sent to the communications manager, said the company would respond soon after detailed officials detailed to visit the site report back.
However, local volunteers had moved to cordon off the affected area and prevent residents and other members of the public from approaching the ruptured pipeline in a bid to avert possible danger.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eleme Local Government, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, has called for caution over the incident.
In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ate Chinwi, the Chairman said, ”The Chairman has called on the relevant government agencies, regulatory authorities, and the operating company to take immediate action to shut down the affected pipeline, where necessary, and commence urgent containment measures to prevent further spread of the spill and minimise its potential impact on lives and the environment.”
He advised residents in the area to relocate to safer areas as a precaution against health and environmental hazards.
