By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Rivers says it will carry out a thorough investigation into the gas explosion that occured in Obagi Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area (ONELGA) of Rivers state.
Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Uche Nwafor gave the assurance when he led his Team on an On-the-Spot assessment of the Gas explosion site at the weekend.
This is coming as residents of Obagi accused the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and other multinationals operating in the area of not complying with environmental management plan in line with operational activities as it affects Host Communities.
The explosion was said to have occured on a pipeline operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, last Wednesday.
But a source in the community who spoke on condition of anonymity with NatureNews correspondent said the explosion occured since July 2023 but that the company paid no attention to the incident despite several calls by the community.
The source said: “The explosion actually occured since July last year but the Italian company refused to contain it until it has started affecting both their facility and the community. It has affected the river, farmland and other things, including their own facility and that is why they are now paying attention to it.”
Speaking during the visit, the commissioner assured that investigations will be jointly carried with NOSDRA and other relevant agencies.
Nwanfor, who frowned at activities of Gas Flaring within the area, also confirmed that no casualties were recorded at the explosion.
The Rivers State commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources Uche Nwanfor who also paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of His Royal Highness Eze Ndudi Peter, Ochi- Oha 2 , Paramount Ruler of Obagi Town, called on Multinationals to be precautional in their Operations and ensure that the Host Communities are carried along in line with Sustainable development Goals.