Bukuma community backs investigations into wellhead fire incident in Rivers
The Bukuma community in Rivers says it is supporting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)’s plans to investigate the explosion at its wellhead 008, located in the community.
The Paramount Ruler of the community, King Precious Elekima expressed confidence that the investigation would uncover the perpetrators and hold them accountable.
NNPCL had alleged that the explosion which resulted in an oil spill in Bukuma, Degema Local Government Area, was caused by pipeline vandals, attempting to steal crude oil.
Elekima said that the community supported the investigation due to the fact that ‘’Bukuma residents are peaceful and law-abiding and do not engage in sabotage.
“We do not dispute NNPCL’s statement that vandals destroyed its wellhead, and we fully support investigations into the fire incident.
“The community sympathises with NNPCL over the incident and assures that we will never encourage any form of illegal bunkering or vandalism of oil facilities,” he stated.
The paramount ruler highlighted the significance of the damaged wellhead, noting that it was one of the largest oil wells contributing revenue to the Federal Government for national development.
“We have always stood with the Federal Government in its fight to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and vandalism.
“Therefore, we should not be held responsible for the destruction of the facility,” he added.
Elekima welcomed the involvement of Tantita Security Services, an independent security outfit, in the investigation.
He stressed that the sabotage of public facilities was a serious offence that must not be taken lightly.
“However, NNPC should be cautious about who they talk to during the investigation, as some individuals may exploit the situation to advance personal interests related to chieftaincy, kingship, or land disputes.
“The company should ensure that such individuals do not take advantage of the situation to frame innocent people,” he cautioned.
NAN reports that the wellhead 008 is operated by NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited (NEOL) a subsidiary of NNPCL
