TheCable

The Pipelines Products Marking Company (PPMC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday confirmed an oil pipeline explosion at Arepo, Ogun state.

Nasir lmodagbe, PPMC spokesperson, told NAN that the explosion occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

Imodagbe said that the explosion was caused by vandals trying to siphon petroleum product from the pipeline.

“We cannot confirm the level of damage and casuality for now until the fire is put off,” he said.

“Our engineers and fire fighters are seriously working to ensure the fire is put off. We have shut down the products channel line to avert continuous burning of the pipeline.”

Ibrahim Farinloye, southwest spokesman of NEMA, also confirmed the incident, adding that an unconfirmed report on a clash between different groups of vandals at Arepo was said to be the cause of the explosion.

Farinloye said that NNPC had been alerted about the incident and the corporation had shut down the pipeline.

“No one can confirm if there are casualties or anyone injured,” he said.

Sources told TheCable that over 100 people lost their lives in the incident.