Rivers In Crisis: Unexplained Pipeline Leak Triggers Fears OF Environmental Catastrophe

The incident, which took place on Sunday, has sparked major concerns about potential environmental and safety hazards in the area. Eyewitnesses confirmed to Channels TV that the affected pipeline belongs to the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The leak, which began around 2:30 pm, was observed near a site opposite the PPMC facility in Okrika LGA. Despite efforts from community members to contain the spill, the situation remains unresolved, prompting the residents to take immediate action.

To mitigate risks, the community has cordoned off the area and imposed restrictions on vehicular and motorcycle movement as a precaution.

Channels TV’s report included pictures highlighting the severity of the leakage, which has caused growing frustration among the residents.

While some residents speculated that the rupture may have been caused by vandalism, others disagreed, pointing to the presence of security personnel who guard the facility each night. An anonymous resident remarked, “It can’t be vandalism. People guard this place every night, so that kind of thing is impossible. The pipeline is old and needs replacing.”