The Abia State Government has attributed the recent explosion in Umuololo, Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, to a petroleum pipeline laid nearly seventy years ago.
The pipeline, which forms part of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11, reportedly exploded at about 1:30 a.m. on Monday, triggering a major oil spill that affected homes, farmlands, schools, shops, and livestock in the community.
A government delegation that visited the site expressed concern over the scale of environmental damage caused by the incident.
The team was led by the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, and the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, who inspected the affected area and assessed the extent of destruction. They noted that although several buildings and properties were badly damaged, no lives were lost.
Speaking during the inspection on Thursday, the Petroleum Commissioner said preliminary findings indicated that the pipeline, laid about 70 years ago, should not still be in operation in 2026.
He directed the operating oil company to immediately commence cleanup of the affected community and replace the ageing pipeline to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, the environment Commissioner has assured residents that the government was closely monitoring the situation, stressing that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to protecting communities from environmental pollution, degradation, and related safety risks.