The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has said that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
A statement by the firm’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye on Tuesday, described the incident as an “unfortunate act of sabotage”.
Soneye said the sabotage had resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflecting a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone.
The statement said, “Since March 2023, crude oil theft on this asset has been persistent, with criminals now resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.”
NNPC Ltd said it remained committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy.
He added that the company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism.
The NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities affected by the destructive activities, adding that it will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.
Soneye’s response comes days after a video surfaced showing a fire engulfing the areas around Boguma and Kokuma communities in Rivers State.
The fire from the creek leak was said to have been burning for some days, with the natives calling on the Federal Government to put pressure on the NNPCL to clean up their environment and compensate them.
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