By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has distanced itself from responsibility for the ongoing crude oil spillage and fire incident at a wellhead in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Monday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, attributed the disaster to sabotage by pipeline vandals attempting to steal crude oil. According to the statement, the vandals damaged the Christmas Tree installation at the Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd., triggering the fire outbreak and oil spill.
Persistent Crude Oil Theft
NNPC revealed that the wellhead had been a target of repeated attacks since March 2023, with vandals using extreme measures, including dynamite, to access hydrocarbons illegally. The statement noted, “This unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflects a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone.”
The issue has drawn widespread complaints from residents of the affected community, who claim the spill has persisted since December 2024.
NAF Denies Involvement
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) earlier denied any involvement in the explosion, clarifying that the wellhead had been leaking for an extended period, leading to the accumulation of gas and flammable liquids in the area, which ultimately ignited.
Commitment to Relief and Security
NNPC pledged to tackle the fires, mitigate financial losses, and support impacted communities. The company emphasized its collaboration with security agencies to curb pipeline vandalism.
“NNPC Ltd remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy. Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected,” the statement concluded.
The company’s assurance comes as calls grow for greater accountability and swift intervention to address the ecological and economic impacts of the spillage.
