Residents of Obianime-Ama Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State are now living in fear following the discovery of a ruptured pipeline leaking an unidentified petroleum product in broad daylight.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has raised concern about potential environmental hazards and safety risks of the residents.
Reports said the affected pipeline belongs to the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Further reports said the leakage began around 2:30pm near a location opposite the PPMC facility in Okrika LGA.
Despite efforts by community members to contain the spill, the situation has remaind unresolved, prompting residents to cordon off the area and restrict vehicular and motorcycle movement as a precautionary measure.
While some speculate that the rupture might have been caused by vandalism, others dismiss the possibility, citing the presence of security personnel guarding the facility nightly.
One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, stated: “It can’t be vandalism. People guard this place every night, so that kind of thing is impossible. The pipeline is old and needs to be replaced.”
Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) issued a statemen on Sunday, confirming the incident and calling for urgent action.
According to the statement signed by its Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the leakage and subsequent explosion occurred on the PPMC pipeline right of way in Okrika.
The incident was reportedly linked to ongoing maintenance work by contractors following an earlier incident on Thursday, March 20, 2025.