Homes, farms damaged as pipeline explosion rocks Abia community

An explosion has rocked a petroleum pipeline in Umuololo Owaza community, Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, destroying homes, farms, schools, aquatic animals and other property.

The explosion which occurred on Monday, caused tension and pain among the villagers, although no life was lost.

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

The source claimed that the pipeline was in a dilapidated state before it exploded.

Consequently, many villagers in  Umuololo community have been rendered homeless with schools and shops flooded, keeping pupils, teachers and traders away.

DAILY POST gathered that some affected members of the community could not salvage their household items as they were damaged by oil spill.

Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel  Ogbonna, could not be reached for comments.

Also, when DAILY POST visited the Abia State Ministry of Environment in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philomen  Asonye Ogbonna, was said to have rushed down  to Owaza to inspect the explosion site.

But a senior official of the ministry  confirmed the explosion to DAILY POST. However, he could not provide more details.