Residents of Obianime-Ama in Rivers State are living in fear after a ruptured pipeline spilled an unidentified petroleum product in broad daylight. The leak, discovered on Sunday near a facility operated by the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), has raised concerns over environmental hazards and safety risks.
Eyewitnesses say the leakage started around 2:30 p.m., prompting locals to block off the area and restrict movement. While some residents suspect vandalism, others blame aging infrastructure. “People guard this place every night. It can’t be vandalism; the pipeline is just too old,” a resident stated.
Environmental watchdog group, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), confirmed the incident and linked it to maintenance work following a previous pipeline explosion on March 20. The group has urged authorities, including NOSDRA, to conduct an investigation and enforce accountability under the Petroleum Industry Act.
As the situation remains unresolved, residents are calling for immediate action to prevent further damage to their environment.
