By Edith Igbokwe
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has allayed the fear of the residents of the Ijedodo community over the vandalisation of a petroleum pipeline in the community, assuring them of safety.
The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu declared that the agency has conducted a critical risk assessment concerning safety and precautionary measures with public advocacy and sensitisation to the community to eliminate any contact with the leaked petroleum product in the Alimosho axis.
It was reported that suspected vandals busted one of the petroleum product pipelines in Ijedodo in the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Alimosho LGA.
The agency in collaboration with others has cordoned off the immediate and remote areas covering the incident scene to forestall a fire outbreak.
Oke-Osanyitolu explained that the situation was promptly put under control.
“On arrival at the incident scene, the agency’s response team found some visible quantities of leaked petroleum product (petrol) on the land surface. An investigation conducted by the agency’s response team revealed the immediate cause of the leaked petroleum product was due to damaged pipelines.
“LASEMA informed the maintenance department of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of the incident and it promptly shut off the valves connecting to the pipeline in the area.
“This has ultimately reduced the risk significantly, while the incident scene had been cordoned off. The Agency’s response team as well as the Lagos Fire Service, NSCDC Anti-Vandal Units, and the Nigeria Police (Isheri Osun Division) were on the ground to avert any unsafe act.
“Assessments and re-assessments are ongoing with a view to identifying any potential threats. The entire community is safe with no palpable tension recorded.”
