Pipeline vandals broke the Ikotun section of Atlas Cove pipeline channel in the early hours of Friday, causing petroleum product to spill into many communities under Alimisho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Some residents of the affected areas have reportedly evacuated the area to avoid being caught up in any possible explosion.
Also, the Ikotun market was shut as the product was said to be gushing out from some drainages there.
It was gathered that men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were on ground to contain any like fire outbreak.
Confirming the incident, the Director-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, explained that the service received a distress call about 3.24 am.
She said, “On getting there, it was discovered that PMS was gushing out from the pipeline and its contents had travelled through drainage and available means to Igando/Idimu roads and environs of Alimosho, Lagos.
“However, I want admonished members of the public, particularly, residents within these corridors not to make open fire along these areas in order to avert danger, pending the conclusion of the repair works by the NNPC.”
Reacting to this, the Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, advised residents to be cautious of any form of open flame and burning in order to avoid explosion in the area.
Oke-Osanyintolu said, “Upon arrival at the incident scene, Omoboriowo Street, Pipeline Bus Stop Igando-Ikotun Road, Igando, it was observed 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 Aug. 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.”
