NEMA restricts movement in Lagos communities over ruptured oil pipeline

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has restricted movement around Ikotun and Igando areas of Lagos state, following “spillage of petrol from a ruptured pipeline”.

It is not yet clear what caused the rupture of the pipeline.

However, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) alleged that the pipeline leakage was caused by activities of suspected vandals in the early hours of Friday.

Although no loss of life was recorded, the situation is said to have caused confusion and fear in the area.

In a statement on Friday, Ibrahim Farinloye, acting zonal coordinator, south-west zonal office, NEMA, announced the restriction of movement in the affected areas, and appealed to the Ikotun market population not to open for businesses due to the incident.

According to NAN, he also advised residents of Igando and Ikotun affected by the spillage to desist from using flammable lighters to prevent an explosion.

According to him, the ruptured pipeline has been repaired, but its content has spread to other areas through the drainage system.

“About 4:30a.m, we received a report of fuel spillage at Omoboriowo St. on Igando road axis, with petrol spilling inside gutters and drainages,” he said.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Lagos State Fire Service were contacted. NNPC shut down the valves to suffocate the supply of further content.

“Efforts are ongoing to decapitate the efficacy of the Premium Motor Spirit, in order to prevent explosion. The spilled content in the drainage system have been traced up to Ikotun.”

Farinloye assured residents that operations are ongoing to prevent an explosion.

He added that officials of NEMA, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos state fire service and the police are on ground to monitor the situation.