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Fear Grips Rivers Community As Ruptured Pipeline Leaks Unidentified Petroleum Product

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Residents of Obianime-Ama Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State are in fear mode following the discovery of a ruptured pipeline leaking an unidentified petroleum product in broad daylight.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has raised concerns about potential environmental hazards and safety risks in the area.

It was gathered from sources that the affected pipeline belongs to the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Eyewitnesses reported that the leakage began around 2:30 pm near a location opposite the PPMC facility in Okrika LGA.

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Ruptured pipeline leaking an unidentified petroleum product
Despite efforts by community members to contain the spill, the situation remains unresolved, prompting residents to cordon off the area and restrict vehicular and motorcycle movement as a precautionary measure.

Pictures made available to Channels Television revealed the extent of the leakage, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of immediate response from the pipeline’s operators.

While some speculated that the rupture might have been caused by vandalism, others dismissed the possibility, citing the presence of security personnel guarding the facility nightly.

One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “It can’t be vandalism. People guard this place every night, so that kind of thing is impossible. The pipeline is old and needs to be replaced.”

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Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Obianime-Ama Community Development Committee and the management of PPMC for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) issued a press release on Sunday, confirming the incident and calling for urgent action.

According to the statement signed by its Executive Director, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the leakage and subsequent explosion occurred on the PPMC pipeline right of way in Okrika.

The incident was reportedly linked to ongoing maintenance work by contractors following an earlier incident on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

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YEAC-Nigeria’s youth volunteers, under the One Million Youth Volunteers Network of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters in the Niger Delta, documented the incident with video evidence showing flames erupting from the pipeline.

The inferno was eventually extinguished later the same day. The organization has called on relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the leakage and explosion.

YEAC-Nigeria also urged the government to hold accountable those responsible for the incident, invoking applicable sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

Fyneface emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the recurring oil spillages and explosions in the Niger Delta, particularly in Rivers State, to mitigate their adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts.

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As the situation in Obianime-Ama remains tense, residents are calling for swift action to repair the pipeline and prevent further damage to their community and environment.

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ARH Chairperson, Kemi Ayelabola Hails President Tinubu’s Virtues At 73*

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairperson and Conve­ner of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelab­ola has paid glowing tributes to the President of Nigeria, National Leader of All Progressives Congress APC and former Governor of Lagos State, Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he celebrate his 73rd birthday.

Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of the Republic of Ireland who mobilised and campaigned for President Bola Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll is a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, in a congratulatory massage to the septuagenarian described him as a visionary and transformative president.

She said the Nigerian leader who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, has remained a Colossus and a phenomenon in the annals of the ruling party and the nation’s political history.

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Kemi also noted that the exceptional political career and service of Tinubu, has inspired so many people and has produced many successful leaders in the country.

She continued to disclose further that the APC National Leader is an icon, bridge builder and a patriotic elder statesman who believes in the development, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.

“Your Excellency, I feel so elated and fulfilled to join other well meaning Nigerians across the globe to felicitate with you on your 73rd birthday. You are indeed an incredible leader with a large heart who has continued to be a major player in the Nigerian politics through your broad-minded and examplary leadership style.

“So many people owe their successes to your magnanimity and accommodating nature. You are truly a legend, an astute politician with uncommon intellect. It is my prayer that your tireless commitment to addressing governance challenges, fortifying national security, and mitigating economic hardships continue to inspire vista of hope and resilience among Nigerians”, she said.

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Kemi prayed for more years in good health and wisdom for the president, to continue to serve Nigeria and humanity by extention.

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Tinubu @73: Deputy Speaker, Kalu Hails President Tinubu’s Bold Economic Reforms

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, praising his courageous decisions that have saved Nigeria from economic collapse.

Kalu specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which he described as a “whited sepulchre” that had deceptively appeared economical on the surface but was, in reality, draining the country’s resources.

He emphasized that this bold move served as the crucial catalyst that jump-started Nigeria’s economy.

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The Deputy Speaker noted that the President’s courageous decision has crystalized Nigeria’s economic prospects, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.

Kalu also commended President Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geopolitical zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.

He believes that the initiative will meet the infrastructure needs of the people and foster economic prosperity and social cohesion.

While acknowledging the current hardship in the country however, Kalu urged Nigerians to be patient, assuring that better days lie ahead as President Tinubu’s economic policies mature.

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He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration could not have come at a better time, stressing that the President is diligently working to reposition the nation for greatness.

“President Tinubu’s leadership has been a game-changer for Nigeria. His commitment to economic reforms and development is unwavering, and we are confident that his policies will yield positive results in the long run”, he said.

Wishing President Tinubu well, Kalu also prayed for many more years in good health, saying, “We celebrate not just your birthday, Mr. President, but also your tireless efforts to build a better Nigeria for all.”

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Why I Failed To Pay My Wife’s Bride Price, Man Tells Court

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The president of Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs S.M Akintayo, has adjourned a divorce suit brought before it by a man, Kasali, against his wife, Ajoke, on the account of irreconcilable differences.

Kasali stated that he and Ajoke never had a traditional wedding, but that she moved into his house shortly after they met.

Kasali added that he refused to pay Ajoke’s bride price because she was no longer a virgin by the time they met

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The plaintiff insisted on divorce because according to him, no meaningful communication ever held between him and his wife.

Kasali stated that he and Ajoke did not understand each other which was the reason for their regular fight.
Kasali further stated that Ajoke was already dating another man which made it imperative that the relationship between him and her be brought to an end.

Ajoke was not in court, although she was served court summonses.

Kasali, in his evidence, said, “My wife moved into my house shortly after we met.

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“We never held any marital rites.

“I refused to pay her bride price when her parents insisted on having it because she is not a virgin.

My lord, living with my wife was an error.

“We never understood each other and hardly agreed on any issue.

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“We lived like cat and dog; shouting at each other and nagging.

“There was communication breakdown in our relationship.

I heaved a sigh of relief the day she moved out of my house.

“I came to court to end our marriage. This I believe is necessary because she has started dating another man.”

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(TRIBUNE)

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