27th April, 2015
Cyriacus Izuekwe
Residents of Ejigbo and Diamond Estate in Isheri Olofin are now living in fear over the danger of possible pipeline explosion following the discovery of fuel leakages from rusty Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, pipelines.
The residents said the leaking fuel is spreading to many houses and streets in the area in Lagos State, western Nigeria.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the NNPC pipelines which were laid some years ago along Oboye Street of Ejigbo, pass through Idimu close to Diamond Estate to other parts of states of the federation.
Due to lack of maintenance over the years, the pipelines have become weak and rusty thereby causing leakages in the affected areas.
Many residents are witnessing unpleasant petrol smelll and this could cause explosion in the area if not checked.
Our correspondent confirmed the petrol smell which has become a source of worry in those areas.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent said they are living in fear because they do not know the extent of the spread of the petrol.
Mrs Ann Johnson who resides in Diamond said when residents noticed the leakage, they contacted NNPC officials who came to the scene to inspect it and confirmed the leakage and promised to repair the pipelines.
She regretted that after some months, they did nothing and the leakage was getting worse daily.
She also said some people are making brisk business by coming in the night with jerrycans and tankers to scoop the fuel.
A resident in Ejigbo who simply identified himself as Mike said their well water has been polluted due to the leakage and they find it difficult to get water in the area.
“When we draw water from our well, instead of getting water in return, what we normally get is petrol.”
He said many streets in Ejigbo such as Silva Estate, Aminat Ilo, Sanusi and others are affected..
He also said the officials of NNPC were aware of it and refused to do something about it.
Another resident, Chinedu Obiano, said NNPC should be held responsible if there is disaster in Ejigbo because they aware of the state of pipelines in the area.
He said the pipelines have been tampered with by those who scoop fuel illegally in the night with the knowledge of some NNPC officials.
He wondered how the leakage was going on without the NNPC knowing about it and called on the authorities to intervene so that the lives of the residents will be protected in the area.