Oil Pipeline Explosions: Oyibode calls for int'l best practices ~ Truth Reporters

By Omoko Vincent

The Commissioner representing Udu, Uvwie, Ughelli South and Urhobos of Warri South in the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Vincent Oyibode has said that international best practices should be observed especially in situations that have to do with the environment.

He said this while inspecting an oil spill site at Otu-Jeremi, the headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Commissioner who expressed shock at the havoc caused in terms of destruction of the ecosystem, water and the environment, called on relevant authorities to take very urgent action to alleviate the pains of the people.

He also stressed that a clean up exercise should be embarked on immediately to avert fire outbreak.

Olorogun Oyibode then harped on location of the OML 34 & 65 Flow stations and complained that the youths from Udu and Ughelli South have been deprived of the surveillance jobs on the well and they don't benefit as youths who are host communities to OML 30 flow station.

He commended the community for their efforts at safeguarding the affected area and gave glory to God that no life was lost in the stampede for safety.

Earlier, the President General of Otu-Jeremi community, Olorogun Samson Janugha had said that the explosion occurred due to equipment failure as allegedly confirmed by NPDC/ND WESTERN.

He said the explosion which shook the earth, affected farmlands, houses, humans and the environment stressing that some of those affected are still on admission in the General Hospital at Otu-Jeremi.

The women and the youths clamoured for Federal Government's presence, asking that relief materials and medical aid are needed. They also begged that the clean up exercise should be done urgently because the youths have been guarding the area to avert fire incident.