A pipeline leak within the Kolo Creek
oil field, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in
Bayelsa, is currently discharging crude into the environment, Anthony
Okpu, who resides in Imiringi community said.
Speaking in Yenagoa, Okpu said that the spill was noticed on Wednesday morning in Yenagoa.
According to him, the oil leaking from a
crude trunk line connecting the Kolo Creek fields to SPDC’s pipeline
network had flown into the communities and devastated farmlands and
vegetation.
“We do not know exactly when the
spillage started but this morning we saw crude leaking from the pipeline
into the road. When we got there soldiers had already cordoned off the
area.
“They did not allow us to get near to
find out the possible cause of the leakage; we woke up this early
morning to see this in our community.
“I believe the soldiers must have
reported the incident so that they can shut down the pipeline feed to
forestall further damage to the environment.
“But oil is still gushing out of the line,’’ Okpu said.
When contacted, Lt.-Col Ado Isa, Media
Coordinator, Joint Task Force, saddled with the responsibility of
protecting oil installations in the Niger Delta, said he had yet to get
the report.
He, however, pledged to verify the report before making comment.
“Joseph Obari, the SPDC spokesman, said on telephone that the oil firm would react to the development in due course.
(NAN)
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