Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Panic gripped residents of seven communities in Nembe kingdom in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State after a gas explosion on Friday from the Nembe Creek Trunk Line operated by the Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company.
Some of the communities affected included Nembe creek 1,2 and 3,Jalungo,Fatuo and Kalablomi.
According to sources, the gas explosion has sacked residents of the area with many women and children reported missing.
The company already said that it had shut the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, NCTL, for emergency repairs following the detection of oil leakage.
The spokesman of the Nembe Chiefs Council, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio in an interview described it as “massive destruction of the area with air and water heavily polluted.”
According to Chief James-Eriworio, “people have deserted the area and the company has refused to respond despite a series of emergency calls. As at 6pm, the time you are calling, the fire is still raging. The incident is uncalled for and questionable. The people are afraid. Women and children are missing. ”
James-Erworio who called on the oil exploration company to be mindful of the welfare of the indigenes, said the community would not hesitate to drag the company before the National Assembly to seek redress.
“This is a large-scale explosion. We are calling on Federal government agencies to investigate and respond to salvage the people. The incident has caused air and water pollution. We are concerned about the oil exploration company despite the questionable acquisition of the company from SPDC without due consultation with the people. We are concerned about the poor attitude of the company towards the host communities in Nembe. They have abused the rights of the people. We are ready to drag the company before the National Assembly and the Presidency.”