By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Oando PLC, operators of a major pipeline in Bayelsa State feeding the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny, Rivers State, has announced the shutting down of the facility, arising from three sabotage attacks.
The oil firm on Friday said the move has become necessary in order to avert further pollution while a discreet investigation is carried out.
“Oando PLC confirms three separate attacks on its pipelines over the past week. In line with best practices, the company immediately activated its emergency response plans and commenced containment efforts at the affected sites to minimise environmental impact. The company also immediately deployed its leak repair teams to the affected sites and is working closely with relevant authorities to promptly carry out a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV),” the company’s Assistant Manager, Public Relations and Internal Communications, Idongesit Edet, said in a statement.
On 3 April, unidentified vandals launched an attack on the Ogboinbiri–Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, blowing up the pipeline in three spots.
JIV is a statutory probe into every reported oil/gas leak incident by regulators, the operator and the host community to ascertain the cause of the leak, volume of the leak, and impacted areas.
The assessment by the visiting team will help determine the extent as well as the root cause of the sabotage, Oando stated, adding that it will enable the company to implement lasting solutions.
Oando stated, “Following the JIV, Oando will initiate full-scale repairs on the affected pipelines towards ensuring operations resume as quickly as possible, whilst prioritising the safety of people, the protection of the environment, and the well-being of the communities. The company is committed to providing further updates as more information becomes available,” the statement noted.
Earlier, the state government had condemned the attack, saying, “The Bayelsa State Government wishes to condemn the criminal damage of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated.”
According to the State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, “The damage to public assets does not only result in revenue loss to federal, state, and local governments but also poses grave environmental dangers. Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can constitute significant health challenges to citizens.
