Pipeline Explosion: If Acts Of Vandalism Continue, They Will Kill Us All – Kyari

PHOTO: NNPC

The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari, has called on Nigerians to expose acts of pipeline vandalism happening within their communities.

Multiple explosions rocked the Ile Epo community around the Abule Egba area of Lagos on Sunday night, claiming five lives, burning vehicles and properties worth millions of Naira.

Mr Kyari stressed that if the acts carried out by these vandals continue, more lives would be lost to resultant effects from the vandalism.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of Sunday’s pipeline explosion in the area, Mr Kyari stated that the NNPC was working with security agencies to contain the situation.

He said, “It’s unfortunate we lost five lives to this inferno, with many in critical condition in the hospitals, all due to unpatriotic acts of vandals along our Pipeline Right of Way, who make insertions into the pipelines to steal products, leading to disasters such as this.

“We’re working daily with security agencies to contain this situation which portends danger for all of us. Nigerians must know that these acts of vandals are happening within communities and if they are allowed to continue, then they will eventually kill all of us.”

The NNPC boss explained that when the explosion was reported, they shut down the flow to contain the damage.

He, however, noted that the flow of petroleum products has since resumed.

“We, therefore, need the support of every member of the community to expose the bad eggs in their midst. We are counting on Nigerians to help us resolve this as it is becoming a matter of national security concern.

“Having shut down to contain the damage yesterday, we’ve now fully restored the line. We are now back on stream.”

“Petroleum products are flowing all the way from Atlas Cove to Mosimi all the way to Ilorin Depot. We enjoin everyone to work with us in sustaining this,” Kyari said.

Channel TV News