Vandalised pipeline spills crude in Bayelsa

Suspected crude oil thieves have caused major spills in three locations on the Agip Oil pipeline in the Ikarama oil fields in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that two of the spots are currently discharging crude into the environment, while the other has been discharging gas into the atmosphere since March 21.

A field report by Environmental Rights Action/Friends of Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), said the spills occurred on two pipelines in an oil field operated by Agip Oil Company.

The report signed by Mr Alagoa Morris, the organisation’s Head of Field Operations, noted that oil thieves had excavated the earth and ruptured the pipelines.

According to ERA/FoEN, the spill was reported by members of the community, adding that it dispatched its field monitors to ascertain the extent of the spills.

“ERA/FoEN expresses concern over the negative impact of the ongoing pollution of the environment by both crude oil and gas leaks,” it said and urged the management of Agip to clamp the leak.

The organisation called for prompt clean up and remediation of the spill impacted site, and urged the oil firm to take steps to secure its facilities from vandals.

Reacting to the development, Mr Tajudeen Adigun, spokesman of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, directed all inquiries to the Managing Director of the company in Abuja.