Sabotage Confirmed As Cause Of Recent Shell Pipeline Oil Spill In Nigeria, NOSDRA Reports
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – In a significant development, Nigerian authorities have officially confirmed that the recent oil spill at a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipeline in the Obolo-Ebubu community, Eleme, is a result of sabotage. Mr. Ime Ekanem, Zonal Director of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), made the announcement following a joint investigation into the incident.
The investigation, which included representatives from NOSDRA, SPDC, the host community, and officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, unveiled a disturbing finding: an unauthorized 1-inch valve was discovered at a specific position on the 12-inch Ogale-Ebubu pipeline. This suggests intentional tampering, pointing toward a deliberate act of sabotage rather than an accidental rupture.
The oil spill, initially reported last Friday, has raised renewed concerns about environmental damage, particularly in the Ogale community. This area has previously suffered from underground water contamination, with benzene levels surpassing 900 times the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mr. Ime Ekanem emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The presence of an unauthorized valve on the pipeline indicates deliberate interference. This is not an accidental occurrence but a case of deliberate sabotage.”
The discovery of sabotage intensifies worries about criminal activity targeting oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. Authorities are now calling for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable for the environmental damage caused by the spill.
The joint investigative team is working to determine the full extent of the damage, assess the impact on the affected community, and identify those involved in the sabotage. The findings will play a crucial role in deciding the appropriate course of action and legal measures against the perpetrators.
The confirmation of sabotage underscores the challenges faced in protecting vital oil infrastructure in the region and raises questions about the security of pipelines and facilities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues related to environmental protection, community well-being, and the need for stringent measures to prevent and address deliberate acts of sabotage in Nigeria’s oil-rich areas.