A community leader has attributed the massive gas explosion that rocked some communities in parts of Delta state early hours of today to negligence on the part of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC).
TheNewsGuru reports some communities surrounding the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) were thrown into pandemonium early hours of today after a massive gas pipeline explosion rocked the area.
Eyewitnesses told TheNewsGuru on the phone that the explosion occurred in the river that runs through Ubeji, Egbokodo, Ugbokodo, Jeddo, Ughoton and Omadino communities.
The deafening sound of the explosion and the massive fire that followed was first heard and seen at about 4:30 am, according to the eyewitnesses. The fierce and raging fire caused panic among residents in the communities.
“Explosion just occurred in the river some few minutes ago. All residents of Ubeji, Ègbokodo, Ugbokodo, Jeddo, Ughoton, Omadino and its environs are clamouring for safety,” Monty Jolly told TheNewsGuru.
Sealight Ogholemu, a community leader in Ugbokodo where the incident happened told TheNewsGuru that “This happened due to leakage that happened for some time now”.
He said the gas explosion happened at Ugbokodo Gas Riser/Manifold, owned and operated by the NGC.
“NGC promised to work on it on the 8th of January; they failed. Even, yesterday we were expecting them; still, they failed,” Ogholemu said.
This “has led to heavy damage in the river and land; a lot of people running for their lives. Mothers are looking for their children, crying, and it is like the end time trumpet,” he further stated.
Ogholemu further revealed that “There is another leakage now. If this one explodes, everybody will die because this one is on the land. The people of Ugbokodo, Jeddo, Ughoton, Ubeji, Ajantitor, Ifie, etc are not safe”.
However, Agbi Eguriase Andrew said the fire and the deafening noise heard this morning have since subsided hopefully after gas supply to the line was cut off.
“We hope emergency safety precautions have been activated for workers and immediate host communities,” Eric further stated.
Ogholemu pleaded with the management of the NGC and the federal and state governments to intervene.
Meanwhile, the NGC is yet to comment on the development.