Pipeline explosion damages homes and farms in Abia community

A petroleum pipeline exploded in the Umuololo Owaza community of Ukwa West Local Government Area in Abia State, demolishing homes, farms, schools, aquatic animals and other property.

The blast, which happened on Monday, caused distress among villagers, but fortunately no casualties were reported.

According to a source in Ukwa West, the damaged pipeline transports petroleum from the Imo River flow station in Owaza to Port Harcourt and Bonny in Rivers State.

The source said the pipeline had been in a dilapidated condition prior to the explosion.

As a result, many villagers in Umuololo have lost their homes, and schools and shops have been flooded, preventing pupils, teachers and traders from accessing them.

The Daily Post reports that some affected residents could not recover their household items because they were damaged by an oil spill.

Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, was not available for comment.

When the Daily Post visited the Abia State Ministry of Environment in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philomen Asonye Ogbonna, reportedly rushed to Owaza to inspect the site.

A senior ministry official confirmed the explosion to the Daily Post but could not provide further details.