Rescuers yet to reach NNPC pipeline fire scene

Rescue workers from Lagos and federal agencies by yesterday afternoon were unable to reach the scene of the fire that resulted from an explosion that rocked an NNPC pipeline at Arepo area of Ogun State early Wednesday.

Rescuers told Daily Trust that the swampy terrain and rain made it extremely difficult for access. Some residents of the area, however, alleged that heavily armed vandals had barred the rescue workers from accessing the scene.


NEMA South-West Region spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye, told correspondent: “As I speak to you now, we have not been able to access the scene of the explosion, so we can’t really tell you what is happening there. However, I can confirm that the raging fire has stopped. The fire went out on its own because the NNPC had shut the supply valves”.

On the casualty figure, Farinloye said: “Because the heavily armed vandals who scoop fuel from the area are still patrolling there with their canoes and speedboats, we have not been able to confirm the casualty figure. We have not been able to access the scene, when we do, we will ascertain the situation.”