NNPC pipeline fire

[Punch]

There was pandemonium at Pepsi area of Ibadan on Saturday when a petroleum pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation along Alaaka village in Iddo Local Government Area of Oyo State went up in flames.

The incident, which reportedly occurred around 8.30am, threw residents of Adiroko, Olowopoku, Estates, Ajila, Akoto, Orita Challenge and Akuru into confusion with many fleeing their houses.

No live was, however, lost to the inferno.

During our correspondent's visit to the area, officials of the state fire service, the Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps and the Police were seen battling to curtail the fire.

It was learnt that some suspected vandals had last week visited the area. As a result, some soldiers were drafted to the area to ensure security.

Residents said the facility went up in flames as pipeline vandals tried to siphon petroleum products from the pipeline.

They, however, said nobody was sighted at the scene of the fire.

Director, Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Kareem Gafar, said the explosion was caused by the activities of pipeline vandals. "The fire service immediately responded to the call of residents. We had serious challenge in getting access to the scene of the explosion," he said.

The Punch