Owing to the devastating fire outbreak at Wellhead 008 in Bukuma, Agum Community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo has called for an immediate investigation into the root and underlying causes of the incident.
The inferno, which erupted recently, has caused extensive damage and significant hardship for the local community, according to local media the fire is still burning.
This was contained in a press statement she issued yesterday.
Expressing her concern, Banigo described the incident as “unfortunate and avoidable,” adding that she had promptly notified the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on January 14, 2025, with a detailed incident report.
The Senator noted that she had been duly informed that, other well heads in that location are presently leaking addition to the Wellhead 008 that is currently on fire as this further creates serious fire threat and compounding the environmental and safety challenges faced by the Bukuma community.
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She emphasized that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and it’s Joint Venture partners, as well as the relevant government agencies must urgently rise to their responsibilities. This includes ensuring proper maintenance of facilities, taking immediate action to extinguish the fire, conducting a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the incident, and implementing measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
While, highlighting the importance of swift and decisive action to safeguard the lives, properties, and environment of the affected community, Senator Banigo urged the community to be vigilant and refrain from any form of sabotage.
The Senator commended the swift response of the Director-General National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Degema Council Chairman, the NNPC team, and the Rivers State Government team currently on the ground working diligently to extinguish the fire and provide relief to those affected. Senator Banigo also praised environmental activists and community members for their proactive use of live videos and social media platforms to raise awareness of the situation.
She further disclosed that letters of complaint from the Paramount Ruler addressed to the President and Senate President have been received and will be delivered accordingly.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Senator Banigo reassured the community of her tireless efforts to ensure their safety and well-being. “This situation is unacceptable, and I will not rest until this matter is resolved, the fire extinguished, and our environment restored to a safe and conducive state,” she affirmed.
Additionally, she highlighted that she has already dispatched relief materials to the victims of the fire outbreak as an immediate measure to provide some level of comfort and support during this challenging time. She reassured the community that this is only the beginning, as she remains committed to doing even more to alleviate their suffering.
Senator Banigo pledged to continue mobilizing resources and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the affected families receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives and restore normalcy to the community.
She however urged the residents to remain calm and patient, promising to see the matter through to resolution.
Ipalibo Harry Banigo represents the Rivers West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate and has been a vocal advocate for environmental safety and community welfare.