By Godswill Odiong

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured the public of safety around the scene of a leaking gas pipeline Anifowoshe, Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos State.

The corporation gave the assurance in a statement by its Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said that the pipeline break was caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities in the area.

He said that the impacted section of the pipeline has been isolated.

The statement read in part: “the NNPC informs the general public, especially those living within the Anifowoshe area of Ikeja in Lagos State, that a gas pipeline that was reported leaking in the early hours of today has been isolated and the general area cordoned off.

“Preliminary findings indicate that at about 8.40am, Wednesday, 3rd November 2021, a pipeline gas leakage was reported around Anifowoshe, Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos State. The pipeline is a 6-inch gas pipeline supplying gas to Mainland Power Ltd, near Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

“The NNPC immediately moved in by engaging Gaslink Ltd, its franchise partner operating the pipeline, mobilized to the location, cordoned off the area and successfully isolated the gas pipeline at Oba Akran Valve pit”. He said.

He urged the residents not to panic as all necessary safety measures have been put in place to avert any further escalation of the incident.

He added that repair work had commenced with a view to restoring gas supply as soon as possible.