Another pipeline explosion averted in Ikotun

WHAT would have become another pipeline explosion and tale of woe in Lagos was yesterday averted in Ikotun, under the Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline that lay through Omoboriowo Street, Pako/Pipeline Bus Stop on Igando-Ikotun Road in Ikotun axis of Lagos, was discovered to have been vandalised.

The entire area was enveloped by the odour of petrol, heightening the risk of explosion.

Following a complaint from the community to Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and a swift response by the agency and NNPC Maintenance Team from Sagamu, and investigation carried out, it was discovered that the vandalised pipeline was connected to an oil tanker truck through use of long hoses.

According to a situation report by Head, Public Affairs, LASEMA, Nosa Okunbor, the pipeline was successfully repaired by the NNPC Maintenance Team from Sagamu in the afternoon and the impending explosion averted.

“Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was observed that an NNPC pipeline was vandalized. The vandals connected the pipeline to a MACK tanker with registration number FKJ14XX. Further investigation revealed that the vandalisation must have taken place in the night.

“The entire area was enveloped with the smell of petrol. Fortunately, no injuries or mortality recorded at the scene. Responders at the scene are LASEMA, Lagos State Fire Service, NPF (Ikotun Division), LNSC, NSCDC, NPF (Shasha), and Anti-Robbery Squad (Ikotun),” the report read.