LAGOS -Residents of Ejigbo and Diamond Estate in Isheri Olofin of Lagos state are now living in fear over the danger of possible pipeline explosion following the discovery of fuel leakages from rusty Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines.
The residents who hinted that the leaking fuel is spreading to many houses and streets in the area added that due to lack of maintenance of the NNPC pipelines which were laid some years ago along Oboye Street of Ejigbo, pass through Idimu close to Diamond Estate to other parts of states of the federation, the pipelines have become weak and rusty thereby causing leakages in the affected areas.
Many residents are witnessing unpleasant petrol smell and this could cause explosion in the area if not checked.
When our correspondent visited the affected areas, it was confirmed that the petrol smell was all over the places which has become a source of worry in those areas.
One of the residents who spoke to our correspondent, Oticox said they are living in fear because they do not know the extent of the spread of the petrol, saying when residents noticed the leakage, they contacted NNPC officials who came to the scene to inspect it and confirmed the leakage and promised to repair the pipelines.
He however regretted that after some months, the NNPC did nothing and the leakage was getting worse daily, reveling that some people are making brisk business by coming in the night with jerry cans and tankers to scoop the fuel.
Another resident in Ejigbo who simply identified himself as Okoro said their well water has been polluted due to the leakage and they find it difficult to get water in the area.
He disclosed “When we draw water from our well, instead of getting water in return, what we normally get is petrol”, adding that many streets in Ejigbo such as Silva Estate, Aminat Ilo, Sanusi and others are affected, while the officials of NNPC were aware of it and refused to do something about it.
