Technical fault caused NNPC gas pipeline explosion, not Niger Delta Avengers – Police

The Akwa Ibom Police Command has refuted claims by the Niger Delta Avengers that it blew up a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gas pipeline in the state, saying the explosion was caused by a technical fault.

The militants had on Monday morning, in statement, claimed responsibility for the gas pipeline explosion in Obotim Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

However, the State Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, who confirmed the incident attributed the explosion to a technical fault.

He denied any militant attack on the gas pipeline.

“This is no militancy attack. Our men are on ground and the fire service had put off the fire.

“It is confirmed that there is an explosion in Obotim Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.

“People from the pipeline confirmed that the pipelines are old and overdue for servicing. There are technical problems in the gas pipeline,’’ Mani said.

The Police Commissioner, however, said that there was no casualty and no house was destroyed as a result of the explosion.

The commissioner said that his officers and men were on ground, adding that the place was well-condoned.

“Our men are putting finishing touches, our people are completely on ground and the place is well condoned and secured.

“We are waiting for the experts to give us their reports, so that we can write our report too on the incident,’’ Mani said.

A similar incident occurred on June 16 at Ikot Osutek in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.