The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured Ayobo community residents that they can go to bed with their two eyes closed without any cause for alarm after panic rented air at the axis of Lagos State earlier following reports of a damaged pipeline that caused spillage of fuel in the area.
It said the reactions occasioned by the panic alarm necessitated the corporation’s clarification, and that there is no possibility of fire outbreak on dripping pipeline in the area as the leaking line contains water as against several reports claiming it was petrol.
The Guild had earlier on Thursday reported that residents in the area raised alarm over fuel spillage following a damaged fuel pipeline in the axis belonging to the NNPC.
The Corporation’s Spokesperson, Dr. Kennie Obateru enjoined residents in the area to go about their daily business without fear as reports claiming the possibility of a fire outbreak was false and an attempt to create panic.
Obateru, through a statement released to newsmen on Thursday, maintained that the said vandalized point on NNPC pipeline at Aboru Canal in Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos had been shut down for repairs and presently contains only water.
He explained that the Atlas Cove – Mosimi stretch of the System 2B Pipeline was shut down on June 25, 2020, to enable comprehensive maintenance of some segments of the pipeline.
“The repair work was on the last stage of completion which involves hydro-testing – a process of pumping of water through the entire pipeline for integrity test and leak detection – to ascertain availability of the pipeline for pumping products.
“Following a report from the dedicated patrol team about leakage at a point in the Aboru Canal on Thursday morning, water pumping was suspended immediately at 09:27hrs to enable the maintenance team to effect necessary repairs,” the statement read.
The NNPC, however, urged residents of the affected community to remain calm as there is no possibility of a fire erupting from the leakage point.
