Residents of Igando-Ikotun area of Lagos State have been thrown into panic following the vandalisation of a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
The suspected vandals allegedly attempted to steal the content of the pipeline on Friday.
Petrol, which was gushing out of the punctured area of the pipeline, reportedly flooded drainage channels connecting various streets including Omoboriowo Street, Old and New Garage Junctions in Ikotun.
Responding, the director-general, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said emergency responders had blocked the punctured area of the pipeline and stopped further leakage of petrol.
Oke-Osanyintolu said, “Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was observed a very large volume of PMS was gushing out of the NNPC pipeline at the Omoboriowo Street, Pipeline Bus Stop, Igando-Ikotun Road, Lagos State.
“Further investigation revealed that the heavy flow of PMS was caused by suspected pipeline vandalism and bunkering in the early hours of Friday, August 27, 2021.
“PMS was flowing heavily in the drainage channels connecting Omoboriowo Street, Old Garage Ikotun Junction, New Garage Ikotun Junction, Ikotun Market and Igando/Ikotun LCDA.
“There was no loss of life and property, serious sensitization, public education and awareness is ongoing in the entire community to avoid any form of open flame and burning in order to avoid any form of explosion or any other secondary incident as the entire area has become highly vulnerable.”
“The PMS flow from the pipeline has been successfully stopped,” he added.
