Renaissance, an indigenous oil and gas company, has denied reports of a gas explosion at its gas plant in Rivers State, following claims of a blast at the facility on Sunday.
Earlier reports had suggested that an explosion occurred at the Soku Gas Pipeline, operated by Renaissance, citing one Christian Otiasah, an environmental manager in Soku community.
However, Renaissance swiftly clarified that there was no explosion or fire at its gas facility.
The company stated that its operations were running smoothly and that all facilities were secure.
“We wish to categorically state that there was no gas explosion or fire incident at our Soku facility. Our operations are ongoing without any disruption, and all safety protocols remain in place,” said Bamidele Odugbesan, communications manager at Renaissance.
The company further emphasized its commitment to safety and environmental standards, assuring stakeholders and the public that its facilities are regularly monitored to prevent such incidents.
Renaissance also urged the media and the public to verify information before spreading unconfirmed reports, which could cause unnecessary panic.
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Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Local authorities are expected to investigate to ascertain the facts surrounding the reported incident.
The leadership of the Soku community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State has also refuted reports of an explosion at the Soku gas facility, calling them misleading and urging the public to disregard such claims.
Reacting to allegations that an explosion Saturday night into the wee hours of Sunday hit a gas pipeline, Witness Alasia, the general secretary of the community, categorically denied the incident.
In a statement issued on behalf of the community leadership, Alasia described the reports as “baseless and untrue,” emphasizing that the Soku Gas Plant remains in perfect working condition.
“It is disheartening and worrisome that people will mischievously misinform the public with a baseless and untrue story. Soku Gas Plant is safe and in perfect working condition,” he stated.
However, Alasia acknowledged that there was a fire outbreak along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji gas pipeline right of way but noted that the cause remains undetermined.
“The company has not come up with any useful information,” he added. He assured residents and the general public that the Soku community and its satellite settlements remain peaceful and secure.