From Isaac Job, Uyo
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has attributed the recent oil spill and fire outbreak in Bukuma community, Rivers State, to the activities of pipeline vandals who are intent on destroying oil infrastructure for selfish purposes.
The Director General of NOSDRA, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Uyo after inspecting the oil spill that resulted in a fire outbreak from a wellhead in Bukuma community, Rivers State.
The statement reads: “As the agency responsible for oil spill detection and response, I came here to see for myself the report from our Port Harcourt office about the incident in Bukuma community.
“We have assessed the situation and are in touch with the operators. We have seen the level of pollution and devastation here. Our priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the community from further losses. We have been in touch with NNPCL, the operators, and we are certain that the situation is under control.”
The Director General explained that some individuals tampered with the wellhead, leading to the spillage and fire outbreak in the community.
“From the preliminary investigation of the JIV, it is a case of suspected pipeline vandalism, as we have seen evidence from the initial reports of two hoses connected to the manifold being used for illegal activities.
“This is enough evidence that some people were engaged in illegal business, but we are still investigating, after which we will issue a final report.”
“However, our primary concern is not to provide security but to detect where there is a spill and respond accordingly. We are not responsible for security.”
On the fire outbreak that ravaged the community, Engr Woke disclosed that it is the responsibility of the agency to extinguish the fire and commence clean-up activities in the area.
“We are going to have a meeting of all the stakeholders, and I can assure you that all hands will be on deck to fast-track the process of putting out the fire. After that, we will begin the process of clean-up and environmental remediation, as well as finding a way to compensate the affected community.
“As you can see, their means of livelihood have been affected,” he said.